Festive Tunes Without the GEMA Fees: Magdeburg's Christmas Market Reveals a Clever Solution
Magdeburg having a jolly good time this holiday season takes a unique twist. The Christmas market opening on November 27 will only play classics that have been lifeless for at least 70 years, making them free from GEMA royalties.
German music rights organization, GEMA, caught Magdeburger Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH off guard by demanding more than one hundred thousand euros for holiday music. The market organizers had previously paid around 2,000 euros in fees. While other cities shared similar experiences, the reasoning behind the unexpected charge puzzled Magdeburg's head honcho, Managing Director Paul Stieger (42).
"Our attempts to collaborate with GEMA for a resolution remained unfruitful," Stieger shared, leaving Magdeburg to explore alternative solutions. As a result, Magdeburg's music playlist bequaths direct lines to "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," and other timeless chants to fill the Christmas air. Yet, vendors with their own music rights will still splash tunes such as mulled wine stand operators.
Musical Licensing Tug of War
- When it comes to playing copyrighted music at public events, organizers are required to secure licenses from GEMA.
- GEMA fees are based on factors such as event type, size, and duration.
- This additional cost can add up significantly for large-scale events like Christmas markets.
Breaking Away from GEMA's Grip
- One reason for transitioning to royalty-free classics is to shed the financial burden that comes with music licensing fees.
- Alternative music selection also means greater flexibility in utilizing that music, a key feature for recurring events.
- Ensuring the music is legally compliant is vital to avoid legal troubles and potential financial liability.
Magdeburg Weighs in on the Islands of Freedom
Although details about Magdeburger Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH's operations are scant, it is plausible to infer that they followed the typical guidelines of music licensing and copyright management:
- GEMA licensing: Acquired necessary licenses to legally broadcast copyrighted music.
- Cost considerations: Reconsidered licensing fees deeming them too high, hence trying royalty-free alternative.
- Legal Compliance: Prevented potential legal issues by confirming the royalty-free or Creative Commons license with music selection.
This tactic embraced by Magdeburger Weihnachtsmarkt GmbH is a clever compromise between cost savings and ensuring legal compliance. With the market open from November 27 to December 29, the city center will come alive at the foot of the “Golden Horseman,” offering fresh flavors such as Glüh-Gin, magdeBURGER, and soft ice cream with hot toppings, alongside seasonal treats like deep-fried apple rings and corndog.
