Copyright Royalty Board Advanced Web VI Proceedings

The board has moved into the late-stage phase for setting digital radio royalty rates through 2030.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Music — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of geometric brass sound-wave scales, symbolizing the balancing of digital radio royalty rates. — The Copyright Royalty Board has entered the final phase of its Web VI proceedings, which will set digital radio royalty rates for the next four years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Copyright Royalty Board has entered the final phase of the Web VI proceeding, docket 23-CRB-0012-WR. This process will determine the mandatory royalty rates for digital performance and ephemeral recordings from 2026 through 2030.

Why it matters

The outcome establishes the cost structure for noninteractive digital radio services and mandates the flow of royalty payments to sound recording rights holders. The decision is critical for maintaining the financial framework governing how platforms compensate artists.

The Web VI proceeding, filed as docket 23-CRB-0012-WR, governs royalty structures for the 2026-2030 period. This legal framework determines the rates paid by noninteractive digital services under the existing statutory license.

The players

This federal body oversees the determination of royalty rates and terms for copyright-protected works in the United States.

SoundExchange

This non-profit collective management organization distributes digital performance royalties to featured artists and copyright holders.

SiriusXM

This major satellite and internet radio company operates as a key stakeholder in royalty negotiations for noninteractive services.

Pandora

This digital radio platform is a primary participant in the Web VI proceeding as a noninteractive service provider.

The details

The case involves a massive collection of records including participant filings, hearing exhibits, and transcripts submitted throughout the adjudicatory process. Judges recently issued supplemental procedures for closing arguments to finalize the terms governing these digital performance rights.

April 28, 2025: A public hearing was held for the Web VI case.
January 1, 2026: The start date for the new fixed rate term.
February 2026: Judges issued supplemental closing-argument procedures.
December 31, 2030: The end date for the finalized rate term.

Industry Dynamics

The proceeding follows the established pattern of the Copyright Royalty Board statutory license for public performance by setting new rates for a five-year window. This process represents the standard regulatory cycle that balances the interests of digital platforms against those of rights holders.

The final ruling will directly influence the royalty costs for major streaming platforms, which may eventually affect subscription pricing or content availability for the average listener. Listeners who rely on noninteractive digital radio services will see the results of these rate negotiations reflected in the long-term sustainability of their favorite platforms.

The takeaway

The resolution of docket 23-CRB-0012-WR is essential for the continued legal operation of noninteractive digital radio in the U.S. market. Stakeholders should monitor these developments to understand the future fiscal landscape of digital music distribution.