News
Sony Music Group is the first music company to join ARIAM
Sony Music Group joined ARIAM on 23 September 2026, the first music company in the coalition. COO Kevin Kelleher said a healthy licensing environment — AI firms partnering with rightsholders in advance — is the only foundation. Existing members include Disney, the BBC, the NYT, Fox, ITV, and Adobe. The coalition launched in June 2026. Not legal advice.
What happened
Sony Music Group joined the Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media (ARIAM) on 23 September 2026. ARIAM CEO Victoria Furniss announced it as the first music company to join. Sony Music Entertainment COO Kevin Kelleher said a healthy licensing environment, where responsible AI companies proactively partner with rightsholders, is the only foundation.
What changed
The coalition launched on 15 June 2026 (MBW). Existing members include Disney, the BBC, the New York Times, Fox, ITV, and Adobe. A music major has now entered a group that had been film, news, and tech-heavy.
Whose work this changes
For producers using generative AI on jobs that need Sony catalogue sync or Sony-roster talent, the rightsholder restated commercial licensing as a pre-deal with AI firms. MBW writes that Sony is the only major without a Suno or Udio licence. That is not a judgment and does not freeze future deals. Not legal advice.
Do this today
On any brief that needs Sony clearance, record whether the generative tool has a Sony partnership (press as of 23 September: none with Suno or Udio).
Sources
The join is MBW / Music Week / Variety (secondary). The ARIAM site is primary for the coalition. Clickable URLs are at the end.
Source: Music Business Worldwide