Music Industry Leaders Slam TikTok's Merlin Exit as Major Blow to Independent Artists
Several major music industry organizations have criticized TikTok's decision to end its licensing agreement with Merlin, calling it "the latest example of the platform doing whatever it can to avoid compensating artists fairly."
The criticism comes from organizations including A2IM, SAG-AFTRA, the Artist Rights Alliance, and the American Federation of Musicians. TikTok has opted not to renew its agreement with Merlin, instead pursuing direct deals with independent labels under reportedly reduced payment terms.
Affected labels have until October 25th to either accept the new terms or have their catalogs removed from TikTok. While larger independent labels are engaged in direct negotiations, smaller labels face standardized contracts with little room for negotiation.
The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) previously warned about TikTok's negotiation tactics and potential risks to cultural diversity. The organizations are pushing for the passage of the Protect Working Musicians Act, which would allow artists, songwriters, and independent labels to negotiate collectively with digital platforms.
Joint Statement from Industry Organizations: "TikTok's unprecedented action puts independent artists and songwriters in the untenable position of having no voice whatsoever in the licensing process. Without legislative change to level the playing field, artists and songwriters will continue to be at the mercy of dominant and coercive services like TikTok who refuse to negotiate fairly with the very people creating the content on which their entire business is built."
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