01 Mar 2013

Local private radio station, Yarona FM , was the first to sign an agreement to comply with the regulations of the Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) on payment of royalties.

Artists will get royalties for the musical content that will be played on Yarona FM, which the station started paying in the last quarter of 2012.

The royalties will be paid to artists by COSBOTS based on the total time the song played at the station.

Addressing members of media, Yarona FM station manager Owen Rampha said they had always been aware of the need for royalties to be paid to artists. Rampha noted that royalties were crucial for artist’s survival and also help to stimulate creative industries by an avenue for their income generation.

“Yarona FM will continue to support all endeavours that contribute towards the welfare of local artists. Coming to an agreement with COSBOTS demonstrates our commitment to investing in our industry,” said the station manager.

Rampha said currently the station plays 37 per cent local music per day, adding that the system used at the station was made in a way that no artists would be favoured with their music being played more often than others.

Meanwhile, COSBOTS chief executive officer, Thato Mokobi said most local artists have never received royalties for their work, hence commended Yarona FM for having undertaken a major step in facilitating the COSBOTS mandate of collection and distribution of royalties to owners of copyrighted works.

He said Yarona FM was now officially and effectively licensed and authorised through the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act CAP 68:02 to use copyrighted works, for the duration of the license “without fear or favour.” ENDS