SAMRO sets royalty distribution record

The 2023 distribution constitutes a record of R147m in the Radio and General categories, following distributions of R121m in 2022, R123m in 2021, R141m in 2020 and R131m in 2019. SAMRO’s distribution identification rate for Radio and General is also the highest in the organisation’s history at 86%, compared to last year’s 81.6%. TV distributions came to R73.8.

SAMRO administers the performing rights of its members and currently represents 137 313 members. Of these, only 24 650 are earning members, categorised as ‘associate’ and ‘full members’.

SAMRO says it will soon distribute a second tranche of royalties in the TV category, where it hopes for better documentation of musical works.

“Documentation is essential in minimising the occurrence of undocumented works, which occur due to some broadcasters and production houses not submitting cue sheets and some members not notifying the organisation of their new works being used,” the collective management organisation said.

“The organisation always seeks to enhance its identification rate and documentation to achieve higher royalties and distributions for its members. To achieve this goal, SAMRO calls upon broadcasters and production companies to submit cue sheets and request that members notify SAMRO of their new musical works. By doing so, they can significantly enhance their identification rate, resulting in all SAMRO members receiving the royalties they rightfully deserve.”

SAMRO said it was grateful that music users were paying their licence fees but urged “those who have not yet done so, to acquire a music usage licence as soon as possible. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it is also a legal requirement for music users who play music in the course of doing business.”