Stevie Wonder Comment Urges Fair Songwriter Pay in CRB Phono V Proceeding

A comment bearing the name Stevie Wonder has been submitted to the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), urging the tribunal to ensure that songwriters are compensated fairly wherever their work generates revenue. The filing arrived shortly before the CRB’s August 10 public-response deadline in the Phonorecords V (Phono V) proceeding, which will set royalty rates for physical products and permanent downloads covering the years 2028 through 2032.

The document avoids direct criticism of the proposed Phono V settlement itself, instead centering on the principle that “songwriters deserve to be paid fairly wherever and however their songs generate revenue.” The position suggests opposition to the settlement push led by major industry players, though the letter does not detail specific rate objections.

Representatives for the Michigan-born artist did not respond to a request for clarification before publication.

Broad participation in the Phono V docket

The Wonder-attributed comment is one of many submissions that reflect widespread reservations about the proposed settlement. The docket also includes statements of support and formal objections from a range of organizations and individuals.

Entities advocating for the settlement include the major labels and the Recording Academy. Those filing objections or critical comments include:

• Word Collections
• Songwriters Guild of America
• Eight Mile Style
• Fair Trade Music International
• Songwriters Association of Canada

Individual commenters identified in the docket include copyright activist George Johnson, legal professionals Kevin Casini and Kaila Coleman, Bootleggers Music Group’s Paul Jones, singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked, and one self-described indie artist who chose to remain anonymous.

Next steps and streaming implications

With the public comment period now closed, CRB judges will weigh the objections and supportive statements as they move toward a final determination. The broader question of streaming royalty rates also looms over the proceedings. In a related development, Pandora notified the CRB that four attorneys will appear on its behalf in the ongoing deliberations.