The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is seeking publisher candidate suggestions for its board and three committees as several publisher terms approach their end later in 2026.
Suggestions are due by May 4, 2026. The Music Modernization Act (MMA) reserves certain governance positions for representatives of musical work copyright owners.
Board and committee positions
One publisher representative seat is available on the Board of Directors. The committees seeking publisher candidates are:
- Dispute Resolution
- Operations Advisory
- Unclaimed Royalties Oversight
Board elections are scheduled for summer 2026. Board and committee members serve three-year terms and may be re-elected. Positions are filled under The MLC’s bylaws.
Eligibility and participation
The bylaws define a publisher as a music publisher to which songwriters have assigned exclusive reproduction and distribution rights for musical works relating to Covered Activities.
Covered Activities comprise digital phonorecord deliveries of musical works through permanent downloads, limited downloads or interactive streams that qualify for a compulsory license under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
Candidate suggestions can be submitted through The MLC’s suggestion form.
The board and committees meet regularly, with virtual participation available for every meeting, so travel is generally unnecessary. Members must allow enough time to prepare for and participate fully in meetings.
