Facebook Signs with GMR

Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Sandt

Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Sandt perform at Asbury Park’s Paramount Theatre. (Photo: Al Pereira / WireImage)

Facebook has expanded its music portfolio, partnering with music industry organizations including Global Music Rights (GMR), SESAC’s HFA/Rumblefish and Kobalt Music Publishing. The new deals follow previously announced agreements with Universal Music Group and Sony/ATV.

“Together, Facebook and the music industry are bringing the songs you love into the way you express yourself on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus, and Messenger,” Tamara Hrivnak, head of music business business development, said in a blog post. “This means more ways to share, connect, find your fans and be your favorite artist’s biggest and best groupie.”

The deal with Facebook is a first for GMR, the rights administration platform launched by Irving Azoff and Randy Grimmett in 2014 with funding from the Madison Square Garden Company that now enters the social media world.

The deal will enable users of FB and Instagram to share videos featuring the GMR’s songwriters, who include Bruce Springsteen, Drake and Bruno Mars. Founder Irving Azoff, whose PRO has never licensed its works to YouTube, told Billboard, “Our partnership with Facebook reflects that when music is valued properly, it’s easy for both sides to view it as a win-win.”

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