YouTube UK lifts blackout of 'premium' music videos

YouTube UK has lifted the six-month long "premium" music video blackout after arriving at a deal with the Performing Rights Society for Music over royalties.

The description of "premium" music videos included those that have been uploaded, or claimed as property, by record labels. The blackout only prohibited UK YouTube viewers from watching these videos, fan-uploaded copies were not included in the sanction.

The new licensing agreement will bring back these videos and pay royalties to songwriters, composers and publishers that PRS for Music represents every time one of the videos is streamed.

"It is important that those who are creating music -- the writers and composers we represent -- be rewarded when their works are used. YouTube is a popular online video destination, and this new licence continues to support musical talent. This is an achievement for songwriters, composers, and the YouTube community alike and it reinforces the value of our members' work," said Andrew Shaw, Managing Director of Broadcast and Online at PRS for Music.

Though the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Jamie Dolling, Community Manager of YouTube UK said it is "a mutually acceptable deal," and that both parties are happy with the result.

"This is good for songwriters and composers, music fans, and YouTube," Dolling said yesterday. "In the coming days, premium music videos will begin to come back to YouTube in the UK and we intend to celebrate with a series of guest editorships from some of the foremost artists and magazine shows on the site."