Last updated: January 8, 2013
Details about the U.S. Music Royalty Fee are provided below.
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Why does SiriusXM Radio pay music royalties?
Music royalty rights were established by Congress and are the product of the Copyright Act. Unlike terrestrial radio, SiriusXM is required to pay copyright music royalties to recording artists, musicians and recording labels that hold copyrights in sound recordings (the actual recording of a work). Like terrestrial radio, SiriusXM must also pay music publishers who hold copyrights in musical compositions (or the lyrics and music) through their collective organizations such as ASCAP and BMI.
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Who benefits from the U.S. Music Royalty Fee?
The U.S. Music Royalty Fee funds existing and anticipated royalty payments to the music industry, which includes writers and artists.
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How much is the U.S. Music Royalty Fee?
The fee is currently $1.81 on our base $14.49/month Select subscription package and $1.25/month for plans that are eligible for a multiple radio discount. The fee may change in the future and your fee may vary depending upon the Package and Plan term you choose. For the complete list of packages impacted by the U.S. Music Royalty Fees effective February 1, 2013, click here.
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Why did the U.S. Music Royalty Fee change?
The U.S. Music Royalty Fee offsets a portion of the royalties payable by SiriusXM to composers, publishers, recording artists, musicians and record labels that hold copyrights in musical works and sound recordings. We may adjust the U.S. Music Royalty Fee from time to time to reflect changes in our royalty costs. The fee increase is due, in part, to the recent decision by the Copyright Royalty Board to increase the rates that SiriusXM must pay beginning January 1, 2013, as well as other factors associated with copyright royalties.
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How is the U.S. Music Royalty Fee calculated?
The U.S. Music Royalty Fee is currently 12.5% of the subscription price of plans that include musical performances.
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Do all SiriusXM subscribers pay the same fee?
No. Subscribers to our Internet service and to SiriusXM plans that do not include musical performances do not pay a U.S. Music Royalty Fee.
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Will I have to pay the U.S. Music Royalty Fee on the free months I received for buying an annual plan?
No, free months do not incur any U.S. Music Royalty Fees.
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When will I pay the U.S. Music Royalty fee?
The fee is automatically added to your bill. There will be no change to your current plan and that plan will remain in effect without change until your next renewal date.
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Is the U.S. Music Royalty Fee applied to activations and other fees?
No.