Many Webcasters today recognize the value of streaming their content globally. However, based on a recent press release concerning Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), it appears the UK performing rights organization claims they can now provide this much needed "multi-territorial" clearance to Webcasters -- even with respect to the United States. And apparently the first such worldwide license has already been executed.

To get some clarification on this matter and its validity, I spoke with Kyle Funn, licensing representative for SoundExchange. He confirmed that while PPL may be signed to the IFPI International Webcaster Agreement, they are not in the position to administer licensing for the online transmission of sound-recordings into the United States. For this purpose, he informed me that one must also secure a separate agreement through SoundExchange. To reiterate, there is currently not a "one-stop" license available that includes the United States. Any claims to the contrary, are quite likely fallacious.

--Randall