YouTube criticised for tactics in streaming negotiations

As the dominant video site YouTube seeks to launch a music streaming service, smaller independent music labels have been put under pressure, as YouTube has been offering prices below market value and threatening to pull the label's videos from the site.

The Worldwide Independent Network, an international organization that represents independent music labels, has released this statement on the issue:

"At a time when independent music companies are increasing their global market share WIN has raised major concerns about YouTube’s recent policy of approaching independent labels directly with a template contract and an explicit threat that their content will be blocked on the platform if it is not signed.

According to WIN members, the contracts currently on offer to independent labels from YouTube are on highly unfavourable, and non-negotiable terms, and undervalue existing rates in the marketplace from existing music streaming partners such as Spotify, Rdio, Deezerand others.

WIN has held extensive talks with YouTube at their instigation over the last 24 hours to try and resolve this issue but no progress has been made. WIN’s request for YouTube to rescind the termination letters sent to its members has not as yet been agreed to."

In a statement to The Guardian, YouTube declined to comment on negotiations that are ongoing.