BPI changes subscription formula for independents

LONDON, UK (BPI) - UK record companies' trade association the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) has announced it is changing its subscription formula for independent labels in order to enable more independent labels to take advantage of its services.

BPI members currently pay a subscription fee based on a percentage of turnover. For independents this will now change to a �50 registration fee plus 5% of the label's public performance revenue collected by PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd).

"Collecting subscriptions through PPL will reduce administration costs and enable companies to more easily judge the value of trade association membership," said Jamieson.

Chairman Peter Jamieson today emphasised that supporting the independent sector is at the core of the organisation's agenda for 2005.

"For 30 years the BPI has been mandated to protect and promote the interests of the recorded music sector of our industry." said Jamieson. "Although its every action continues to be designed to benefit every company in the sector, irrespective of size, representation of the independent sector within its activities is not as strong or as representative as it could or should be."

The BPI's members currently represent over 90% of recorded music sales in the UK, but there are still many labels who do not advantage themselves of the associations' services or have the opportunity to influence strategies and policies.

"We will improve and strengthen every facet of our membership services to ensure a better deal for our members, and we are changing our subscription basis to facilitate increased membership. The more representative the BPI can become the more effective and united will be its voice within the wider music industry." added Jamieson.