Sat Sep 28 22:38:35 UTC 2024: ## YouTube Blocks Music by Adele, Bob Dylan, Green Day and More in SESAC Dispute

**New York, NY** – Music fans in the U.S. were met with a frustrating surprise on Saturday, as popular songs by artists like Adele, Bob Dylan, Green Day, and R.E.M. became unplayable on YouTube. The issue stems from a licensing dispute between the video-sharing platform and the performing rights organization (PRO) SESAC.

According to YouTube, the company was unable to reach a mutually agreeable agreement with SESAC to renew their existing licensing deal before it expired. This led to the blocking of content associated with SESAC, in accordance with copyright law.

A spokesperson for SESAC has yet to comment on the situation. However, sources close to the matter suggest that the previous deal doesn’t expire until next week and that YouTube’s move may be a negotiating tactic.

While SESAC is smaller than other major PROs like ASCAP and BMI, it represents a significant portion of the music market, as evidenced by the caliber of artists affected.

This situation echoes a similar dispute between Universal Music Group and TikTok earlier this year, which lasted for months before a resolution was reached. It underscores the complexity of negotiating licensing agreements between streaming platforms and music rights holders.

YouTube has assured users that it is actively working to resolve the issue and reach a new agreement with SESAC. However, they have not provided a timeline for when the blocked content will become available again.

Music fans are expressing their frustration on social media, hoping for a quick resolution. The situation serves as a reminder of the vital role that PROs play in protecting the rights of songwriters and publishers, and the challenges that arise when licensing agreements fail to align.

Variety will continue to follow this story as it develops.

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