The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of a comprehensive broadcast licensing agreement with Rhythm FM Inc., the parent company of Saint Lucian radio stations Blazin
99.3 and Rhythm 95.5. This partnership marks an important step forward in the shared mission to ensure that songwriters, composers, and publishers are fairly compensated when their music is played on the airwaves.
This agreement grants Rhythm FM Inc. the legal authorisation to publicly perform millions of copyrighted musical works from ECCO’s extensive repertoire. This includes works from ECCO members across the OECS, as well as international repertoire from ECCO’s affiliated foreign societies. By achieving full compliance, Blazin 99.3 and Rhythm 95.5 demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the creative industry that provides the soundtrack to their programming.
“We are delighted to welcome Rhythm FM Inc. to the community of licensed broadcasters who recognise the value of music,” said Martin A. James, CEO of ECCO Inc. “For too long, lack of compliance has been a major barrier to the growth of the Orange Economy in our region. This agreement with Blazin 99.3 and Rhythm 95.5 is a strong example of how broadcasters can work collaboratively with us to ensure that creators are properly recognised and rewarded for their work. It is a partnership that directly benefits the individuals who create the culture we all enjoy.”
The partnership ensures that royalties generated from the stations’ broadcasts will be collected and distributed to the rightful copyright holders. This aligns with ECCO’s ongoing commitment to returning value to its members, including the distribution of over XCD 1.3 million for the 2024 performance period, with 52% of those funds remaining with local creators. Rhythm FM Inc.’s compliance contributes directly to sustaining and growing future distributions.
For Rhythm FM Inc., the agreement reflects a clear commitment to ethical business practices and support for the local music ecosystem.
“We are proud to formalise our relationship with ECCO through this licensing agreement,” said Dwayne Mendes, Managing Director of Rhythm FM Inc. “At Blazin and Rhythm, we are committed to delivering the best music to our listeners. This partnership ensures we do so with full respect for the intellectual property rights of the artists who make it possible. We see this not as a cost, but as an essential investment in the sustainability of our local music industry. We encourage other broadcasters to follow this path so that our industry can continue to grow.”
ECCO, a non-profit collective management organisation operating across the OECS since 2009, continues its mandate to protect and manage the rights of music creators. This agreement with Rhythm FM Inc. reinforces the message that compliance with copyright law benefits broadcasters, creators, and the wider cultural landscape of Saint Lucia.