YouTube blocks music videos on German site

German music fans hoping to catch their idols' latest hits on video-sharing website YouTube are set for disappointment after the site on Wednesday blocked certain music videos over a licensing dispute.

GEMA, a body representing 60,000 German artists, said in a statement: "YouTube has announced that it is blocking videos from recording firms on the German YouTube platform -- similar to what happened in Britain two weeks ago."

Talks between GEMA and YouTube, owned by US Internet giant Google, about extending a licensing deal have collapsed for the time being, it said, although GEMA said it has signalled that it ready to resume talks.

GEMA said the parties were also "not in agreement over fees" levied for the publication of music videos online.

"In the interest of its members, GEMA would like an appropriate share in YouTube's income and value," the statement said.

In early March YouTube said it was blocking certain copyrighted music videos in Britain until it overcomes an impasse in a licensing deal with the Performing Rights Society for Music.

Google was not immediately available for comment.

(c) 2009 AFP