IFPI and WIN have announced they are working together a cross-industry collaboration to create Repertoire Data Exchange (RDx). The centralised industry data exchange service will help improve the timeliness, accuracy and efficiency of music licensing companies’ revenue distributions to right holders worldwide. The roll-out of RDx to all right holders and MLCs is expected to start in 2020.
An official press release stated: “RDx will enable record companies and music licensing companies (MLCs), which collectively manage recording rights, to submit and access authoritative recording data via a single point.”
Record companies have historically used a variety of data delivery processes to supply content to individual MLCs around the world, presenting challenges in the supply of recording data.
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said: “Record companies continue to invest in and enhance the accuracy and management of music data in many different areas of the industry. RDx is a key example of an initiative that will benefit all parties involved. It will improve operational efficiencies and lower costs for right holders whilst allowing MLCs to retrieve authoritative repertoire data from a single point – enabling more accurate and timely distribution of revenues. We are very grateful to all our MLC and record company partners who are working closely with us on this project. We look forward to bringing on board more MLCs and right holders as we roll out the service.”
Charlie Phillips, chief operating officer of WIN, added: “Performance rights make up an increasingly important part of independent labels’ revenues. With music being globally accessible, our association members’ repertoire travels the globe and sees revenues generated internationally. Historically, supplying complex data into the international network of MLCs has not been straightforward for independent producers and right holders. The international independent sector has, through WIN, supported the development of RDx over several years since its inception. We are delighted that the industry has worked together to create a service for the benefit of all labels and producers. We look forward to working on a joint basis with IFPI as RDx gathers momentum.”
The launch phase of RDx will receive technical support from a group of record companies (Beggars Group, PIAS, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and The state51 Music Group/CI) and MLCs (PPL, Re:Sound, SENA and Gramex Finland).
IFPI and WIN have selected PPL to deliver and operate RDx.
Peter Leathem, chief executive of PPL, added: “In recent years, we at PPL have invested significantly in our technology and data capabilities; as such, our leading role in the development of RDx is complementary to our existing operations. We are well placed to support IFPI and WIN to address the challenges of big data, drawing on our in-house experience in using DDEX, our relationships with music licensing companies around the world, and our expertise gained from managing huge volumes of recording data every week. This is a significant step forward in global data management and we are proud to be powering such an innovative solution on behalf of IFPI and WIN.”
