YouTube is on the verge of agreeing a deal with independent music labels which will see their artists included on the video giant’s new streaming service, reports the Financial Times.
Having already shook hands on terms with major labels Universal, Sony and Warner, YouTube is now said to have secured a deal with Merlin, which represents around 20,000 indie labels, after their original offer was rejected as ‘indefensible’ earlier this year, leading to a threat from YouTube to block independent music across its networks.
At the time Alison Wenham, CEO of Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and Chairman of the Association of Independent Music, told Music Week: “This is not a fair way to do business. WIN questions any actions by any organization that would seek to injure and punish innocent labels and musicians — and their innocent fans— in order to pursue its ambitions.”
YouTube’s music streaming platform had been expected by now but, despite the delays, CEO Susan Wojcicki recently insisted a launch is still on the horizon.
