BMI, RMLC Reach Settlement with Historic Rate Increase

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 2:21pm CT

Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI)

Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have reached a settlement in their long-running rate court proceeding, the two organizations announced today. The new agreement, which is retroactive to January 1, 2022, delivers what BMI described as the largest rate increase it has ever secured from the radio industry.

The deal reflects BMI's market-leading share of music performed on U.S. radio stations and ensures higher royalty payments for songwriters.

"BMI sought a rate that reflected our market-leading share of the music performed on radio stations across the country, and I'm pleased to say we achieved our largest rate increase ever for the radio industry," said Mike O'Neill, President & CEO of BMI. "This new deal ensures BMI's songwriters will be more fairly compensated for the performance of their music on this incredibly important platform. Negotiation is always better than litigation, and we're pleased to have worked together with the RMLC to achieve this outcome."

On behalf of radio broadcasters, RMLC Chairman Ed Atsinger emphasized that the agreement provides stability while avoiding prolonged litigation. "We are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement with BMI, which is indicative of how strongly the radio industry values its partnerships with songwriters. Furthermore, we feel that this agreement provides the radio industry with the ability to plan for the long-term while avoiding substantial litigation costs and uncertainties associated with the rate court process."

The settlement marks the resolution of a contentious negotiation process, establishing new royalty terms for U.S. radio broadcasters and BMI-affiliated songwriters and publishers.