Licensing deal boosts webcasts

Webcasting is being promoted by the music industry

Webcast fans in Europe will have more opportunity to enjoy online shows following a landmark licensing deal.

The recording industry has signed an agreement allowing webcasters to stream music programmes using a single "one-stop" licence.

It will enable them to clear producers' rights in many countries by obtaining a licence in just one of them.

Previously they had needed to seek individual licences from each separate national licensing body.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which signed the deal, said it would especially boost webcasting outside the US.

Momentum

IFPI chairman Jay Berman said: "This is another milestone in the development of online music services.

"It will be much easier for (European) companies to operate across borders, and we expect to see webcasting gain momentum as a result of this agreement."

Webcasting is already well-established in the US where there are 1,250 licensed services.

The IFPI represents the recording industry internationally with more than 1,500 member companies in 76 countries.