CISAC global royalties stable at A$11.33bn

The total royalties collected by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) was €7.8 billion (Australian $11.33 billion) in 2013, according to its 2015 Global Collections Reportpublished last night.

The Paris-based CISAC represents over 3 million songwriters and composers as well as creators in drama, literature and visual arts in 120 territories. The bulk of the collection (87%) is music-related.

A 2.4% growth in performing rights royalties saw these hit the €6 billion ($8.7 billion) mark for the first time, accounting for 78% of monies collected. Digital royalties rose by 25% to €380 million ($552.2 million) and now make up 5% of the total – still a relatively low figure. Monies from audiovisual were up 8%.

Growth also registered in growing music markets. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) economies were up 30%. These now generate €1 million ($1.4 million) per day but CISAC points out that their collections per head of population (€0.12/$0.17 per head) was lower than the world average (€1.30/ $1.8). They “still have a huge untapped potential,” observed CISAC Director General Gadi Oron.

Also a bright note, he added, was that Latin America and the Caribbean region posted a 17% growth to €514 million ($747 million).

Mechanical rights fell 13% to €1.4 billion ($2 billion) to 18% of total revenue.

Europe remained the largest source of royalties, accounting for 60.6% and registered a 2.3% rise from 2012. The second largest was North America (16.3%), then the Asia Pacific (15.8%) – which of course Australian royalties are part of – Latin America & Caribbean (6.6%) and Africa (0.7%).

Oron said: "In 2013, CISAC member societies proved once again the importance of collective management of rights for creators around the world. Despite challenging economic conditions in many markets, total royalties collected by CISAC members remained stable. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, the underlying growth trend of +4.6% in global collections is very encouraging for the future of the creative industries globally.”

Oron was specific about digital royalties. “Royalty collections from digital services sharply increased in 2013 and we are extremely pleased with this result. Yet, they are still low and the potential for further growth is significant. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, it remains a key priority for CISAC members to ensure that creators around the world receive a more equitable share in the online market.”