Publishers and labels make peace.

MCPS-PRS and BPI agree digital royalty deal, but six digital services still face Tribunal

by Paul Williams

EMI Group chairman Eric Nicoli has been described as the "can of WD40" in facilitating negotiations between the publishing and records sectors.

Nicoli's important role was also recognised by BPI chairman Peter Jamieson as a seemingly inevitable 11th hour settlement was announced by the two sides last Thursday, just minutes into the delayed copyright tribunal hearing.

MCPS-PRS ceo Adam Singer paid tribute to Nicoli's contribution as the deal was announced. "The person who was determined to drive peace through in a very helpful manner was Eric who, of course, sits at the top of a company, half of it is a Peter [Jamieson, BPI] member, half of it is my member," explained Singer.

"He didn't do deal points. He was bilingual and he was a lubricant. He was in the middle. Things occasionally need facilitating. He wasn't involved in the hammer and tongs details."

Following the resolution, Nicoli said, "I'm delighted that record companies, music publishers and some key distributors have found a way through the complex issues associated with the British music industry's transition to digital. This new agreement will allow us all to concentrate our management and financial resources on building the digital music business. Our collective focus must be on connecting our artists and consumers in every imaginable legal way and to returning our industry to growth."