BMI has filed a rate court action against SiriusXM over alleged attempts to reduce payments to songwriters, composers, and publishers. The action, filed on September 12 in New York court, seeks to establish fair and appropriate licensing fees for BMI's music catalog.

The dispute follows two years of unsuccessful negotiations. BMI contends that SiriusXM's proposed rates fail to reflect:

• BMI's significant market share
• Current marketplace conditions
• SiriusXM's evolution toward digital services
• SiriusXM's substantial revenue growth

Mike O'Neill, BMI's President and CEO, emphasized that SiriusXM's proposal relies on outdated rates from when the company was significantly smaller and less digitally focused.

BMI, which represents performance rights for over 22.4 million songs and compositions in the US, is seeking rates covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2026. The organization operates under a Consent Decree that requires it to quote reasonable fees to music users, with the option to petition the court if agreements cannot be reached.

The court filing requests either confirmation that BMI's quoted rates are reasonable or a determination of appropriate rates for the BMI repertoire. A previous rate proposal was made on May 8, 2023, but failed to result in an agreement between the parties.

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