Media Houses In Jamaica Sued For Copyright Breaches

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica Association of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JACAP), has sued several media houses here for alleged breaches of copyright laws.

The association, which represents over two million creators of music worldwide, including 3,400 Jamaicans, took action against CVM television, Nationwide News, News Talk 93 FM, Grove Broadcasting Limited, which operates IRIE FM and ZIP 103 FM, KLAS Sports Radio, as well as Island Broadcasting Services.

“The creators of music are unhappy with the illegal use of their works,” said JACAP’s general manager, Lydia Rose, who noted that after years of negotiations, several broadcasters remain non-compliant, either making minimal contributions or refusing to sign a contract or make any payments.

Cease and Desist letters have also been written to several other media houses.

The organization has also threatened to take legal action against cable and venue operators, promoters and hotels.

It said despite meetings with cable operators and their association, they continue to gain economic benefit from the unlicensed use of musical works.

According to JACAP this represents a “blatant disregard for the laws of Jamaica and creators of music”.

Under Jamaica’s 1993 Copyright Act, all users of copyright music are required to get a license for using music.