APRA AMCOS unveils plan to keep member royalties flowing

APRA AMCOS will bring forward its November live performance royalty payout to May.

The announcement, made Friday (March 27), comes as thousands of its songwriter, composer and publisher members grapple with how to survive during the corona-crisis.

Last November APRA AMCOS paid live performance royalties to 18,425 members. This May, members will receive a full year’s worth, using data from last year’s reports.

“The COVID-19 crisis has hit every segment of Australia and New Zealand’s music sector,” said chief executive, Dean Ormston.

“From our songwriter, composer and publisher members to the venues, events and festivals and the managers, crew and SME’s of the industry, the impact of necessary government regulations has been immediate and devastating.

“We know we need to get money into the pockets of our members quickly and efficiently – we distribute domestic royalties quarterly and royalties coming in from overseas on a monthly rolling basis – effectively 16 distributions per year. Our commitment to this will not change.

“The shutdown of live performance opportunities for our members due to the COVID-19 crisis means we will now pay live performance royalties early this year. Usually paid in November, we’re bringing forward this royalty payment to May.”

The music rights organisation says it’s also campaigning for local content support and advocating government leaders for urgent support.

Australia’s music and screen production industries, led by APRA AMCOS, ARIA and Screen Producers Australia, today announced the AUSSIE MADE campaign.

“Broadcasters and digital platforms have a huge opportunity to build on Australia’s appetite for local content by exposing them to even more Australian music and screen content, ensuring that people can find it easily,” said Ormston.

APRA AMCOS, ARIA and SPA encourage all media and DSPs to back the local industry and promote local content that will connect Australians with each other during the pandemic.

Ormston said APRA AMCOS itself is “not immune” to the impacts of COVID-19 and is looking at its own cost-saving measures.

“APRA AMCOS is not immune to the impacts of the crisis.

“We are looking at cutting costs across the business while not compromising our commitment to our members – getting more money to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We are working with our sector colleagues, not just across the music sector, but also the broader cultural and creative industries to advocate to government for urgent financial assistance for both individuals and the breadth of businesses vital to the contemporary music industry ecosystem.”

For the remainder of the year, APRA AMCOS will pay each distribution according to its scheduled timetable and continue to get royalties to members as efficiently as always.

PPCA, provides licences to Australian businesses to play recorded music, is also offering cash advances ranging from $250 to $10,000 to its registered artists.