I have just returned from the DDEX plenary session in a very windswept and rainy Eastbourne this week, with a particular focus on the RDR working group. For those unfamiliar, DDEX is the Digital Data Exchange forum tasked with developing compatible messaging across the entire digital music supply chain. More info on DDEX is here: https://ddex.net/about-ddex/.
The RDR (Recording Data and Rights) working group is tasked with developing a data message standard to convey essential information about performance rights in sound recordings, aka ‘neighbouring rights’. The efficient flow of good and consistent data is a cornerstone of accurate and efficient rights management in this part of the music licensing sector.
The RDR standard exists to allow record companies to provide data describing the rights situation for their recordings. This information is critical for CMOs (collective management organisations), as it enables them to refer to these details when recordings are reported as used by broadcasters or other public users like shops, bars and clubs. CMOs rely on this data to identity which recordings have been reported as used, and to allocate revenues correctly.
In some cases, the RDR data defines whether a recording is eligible for payment at all. For example, eligibility for payment can depend on the nationality of the producer: if this key piece of information is incorrect or missing, it directly impacts whether payment is made.
This relates directly to the recent developments in the UK around rights protection for sound recordings and performers in the UK, which revolves entirely around concepts of ‘nationality’ of participants in recorded music. Efficiently communicating these data elements is therefore of critical commercial importance.
It was great to see strong participation, both in person and remotely, underscoring the collective commitment to progress in this area. Liaison organisations play a particularly important role, representing diverse constituent groups and ensuring that the standard development process benefits from real-world input beyond the regular attendees.
The session highlighted significant progress over recent months, with updates not only to the core RDR standard but also to the Revenue Reporting Standard (RDR-R) and the Rights Claim Conflict Message (RDR-RCC).
A huge thanks to Vanessa Bastian at DDEX for her meticulous work in untangling the intricate details required for these technical standards. Vanessa, your leadership in running another smooth and results-driven marathon is outstanding – congratulations on another successful session!
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend Thursday’s implementation session, but I hope it was equally productive and positive.
For more information about RDR, visit: https://ddex.net/standards/recording-data-and-rights/