BBC Releases Archives To EMI

BBC Worldwide and EMI Music have struck a deal allowing access to each other’s material. And it’s the public’s first crack at pop and rock content that’s been locked away for decades.BBC Worldwide and EMI Music have struck a deal allowing access to each other’s material. And it’s the public’s first crack at pop and rock content that’s been locked away for decades.

Under the new arrangement, the British-owned music company and its artists will be allowed to release material from BBC’s extensive archive of TV and Radio recording treasures across multiple platforms, including DVD, CD, and digital downloads. In return, BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, will have the opportunity to use EMI artist performances to create new programming that can be sold to international broadcasters and consumers through developing digital services. Both companies will receive reciprocal royalties for each other’s sales.

According to a press release, the deal is “part of BBC Worldwide Music’s strategy to derive greater value from the wealth of music-related material in the corporation’s archive.” Unlocking it will make vast quantities of content available in all formats for consumers to enjoy both in the U.K. and internationally.

Pete Duckworth, Senior Vice President of EMI Music U.K. & Ireland, is excited about the new material and about the new opportunity for EMI artists. “In the BBC Vaults there is a wealth of unreleased and high quality material from EMI artists that we can now bring to fans. At the same time, we can offer new revenue opportunities to our artists.”

Paul Dempsey, Director of Audio and Music, BBC Worldwide is excited about the opportunity and for lovers of good music. “The deal is a prime example of the commercial opportunities available to artists, their labels and BBC when we work together. It’s also great news for music fans.”

BBC’s archive includes EMI gems like 1967 live radio performances from Pink Floyd playing tracks from debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, early recordings from Coldplay, and a 1975 documentary on David Bowie, to name a few. Sign us up, boss.