Music industry commits to National Business Development Plan

Together with other peak industry bodies, AMPAL recently attended the inaugural National Contemporary Music Roundtable hosted by Music Australia.  The forum was an opportunity for industry representatives to formulate strategies to drive growth in the industry. 

Following the Roundtable, industry-wide strategies will be developed focussing on three key areas:

- industry economics;

- market development and promotion; and

- industry skills and capabilities.

AMPAL will be involved in this process.  For more information see: https://musicaustralia.org.au/2015/08/industry-commits-to-national-business-development-plan/

 

 

 

Nominations for 2015 AMPAL board elections now open

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In accordance with the Australasian Music Publishers' Association Limited (AMPAL)
Constitution, nominations for the position of Board Director can be received up to 60 days
prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The date for the 2015 AMPAL AGM is Tuesday 17 November 2015. Accordingly, nominations
for the position of AMPAL Board Director must be received by the Company Secretary by no
later than 5pm Friday 18 September 2015.

Details of nominees will be provided to all eligible full members prior to the AGM and in
accordance with the AMPAL Constitution. The Constitution is available at
http://www.ampal.com.au/ampal-constitution.

For a copy of the AMPAL board Nomination Form and to discuss your eligibility for
nomination, please contact the AMPAL Company Secretary, Matthew O’Sullivan, email
matthew.osullivan@ampal.com.au

Rights holders call for the protection of Australia's intellectual property

On the eve of the latest round of Trans Pacific Partnership discussions in Hawaii, a broad range of Australian rights holders, including AMPAL, have called on the Australian Government to ensure that the Partnership incorporates strong and rigorous intellectual property provisions.  The protection of intellectual property is essential for Australia's creative industries to continue making their contribution to Australia's cultural and economic life. 

According to the recent PwC report, The Economic Contribution of Australian Copyright
Industries 2012-2014 (available at http://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/News_items/Copyright_Industries_continue_to_be_a_significant_contributor_to_the_Australian_Economy.aspx), the industries:

  • Employed more than one million people - 8.7% of the Australian workforce

  • Generated economic value of $111.4billion - the equivalent of 7.1 % of Gross Domestic Product

  • Generated more than $4.8 billion in exports- equal to 1.8% of total exports.

 

Australian music industry calls for cross-portfolio Federal Government approach to funding the contemporary popular music industry

In a joint press-release by a number of peak bodies, the Australian music industry has called for the Commonwealth Minister for the Arts to assist in establishing a Federal, cross-portfolio taskforce dedicated to ensuring the future success of the contemporary popular music industry.

This follows the release of an Australian music industry statistical snapshot by Music Australia highlighting some of the challenges currently facing the Australian music industry (http://musicaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Australian-Music-Industry-Statistical-Snapshot.pdf).

The full press release is available here: http://www.amin.org.au/call-for-cross-portfolio/

Draft guidelines for the National Program for Excellence in the Arts released for public comment

The Australian Government Ministry for the Arts has released draft guidelines for the National Program for Excellence in the Arts for public comment.  The Program was announced in the 2015 Commonwealth Budget. 

The closing dates for comments on the draft guidelines is 31 July 2015.  More information is available at: http://arts.gov.au/nationalexcellenceprogram

This follows the referral to a Senate Committee for an inquiry into the impact of the 2014 and 2015 Commonwealth Budget decisions on the arts.  Under the 2015 Budget, the Australia Council for the Arts is standing to lose $104.7 million in funding over four years, some of which is to be reallocated towards the establishment of the National Program for Excellence in the Arts.  Screen Australia is also seeing its funding cut by $3.6 million over the same period.  This follows other substantial cuts in funding for the Australia Council and Screen Australia, and the arts more broadly, in the 2014 Budget. 

The closing date for submissions to the Senate Committee inquiry is 17 July 2015.  More information is available at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Legal_and_Constitutional_Affairs/Arts_Funding

Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 given Royal Assent

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The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015, introduced into the Australian Parliament by Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, has been given Royal Assent and passed into law.  The legislation provides for a copyright owner to apply to the Federal Court of Australia for an order requiring a carriage service provider (e.g. an ISP) to block access to an overseas website that has a primary purpose of infringing or facilitating the infringement of copyright. 

APRA AMCOS CEO Brett Cottle AM noted:

“It will give to creative industries a means to fight back, it will assist in changing the behaviour of Australian consumers and, most importantly, it will send a powerful, practical and symbolic message to the artists and creators of Australia. 

“Australia's creative industries have been waiting for a very long time for Parliament to provide an expression of support and respect for their work and their place in the life of the nation."

Irwin Z. Robinson receives the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing at Midem

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) has presented Irwin Z. Robinson with the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Publishing. ICMP Chair, Andrew Jenkins, presented the award at a gala dinner held during Midem. The ceremony was attended by music publishers, collecting societies and senior industry executives from across the world.

Serving as the National Music Publishers' Association Board Member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30, Irwin Z. Robinson has been a key figure in a multitude of copyright and music licensing negotiations and initiatives. His unrelenting commitment to these issues has improved conditions for songwriters and independent and major publishers everywhere.

Robinson was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Famous Music Publishing, President and Chief Executive of EMI Music Publishing Worldwide and President of the legendary Chappell/Intersong Music Group.

On presenting the Award, Andrew Jenkins, Chair of ICMP said: "Irwin Z. Robinson has been involved in the music publishing industry for more than 55 years. He is universally admired and respected for his wisdom, leadership and passion in advancing the interests of songwriters."

"Instrumental in modernising the way music publishers work and extending catalogue and activities across a wide range of areas, Irwin brings energy, innovation and enthusiasm to everything he does," added Jenkins.

On receiving the Award, Robinson said: "It is always an honour to be selected by your peers as an individual who is worthy of any award. This award is very special to me because it represents recognition of my devotion to the global industry and my deep appreciation for all creators of music everywhere."

Ralph Peer II, chair and CEO of peermusic, and an ICMP Board Member said: "Irwin has been a colleague and mentor to generations of people in our industry as well as a trusted and loyal friend to those who have had the privilege of working with him."

"On behalf of ICMP and our publisher members everywhere, I would like to congratulate Irwin for his many years of work protecting and promoting the work of songwriters," added ICMP Director General Ger Hatton.

During the gala dinner, Robinson also received video messages from celebrated songwriters and performers including Linda Perry, Phil Galdston, Tia Sillers, and Brian Molko from alternative rock band Placebo.

"I wanted to congratulate you personally on your award. I feel that it is very, very well deserved and I also wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Placebo over the years and all the help you have given us in our career," said Molko in his tribute.

Robinson was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.

The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013 and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.

European Commission's Digital Single Market Strategy launched

The European Commission's new Digital Single Market Strategy has now been adopted.  The Commission will undertake 16 key actions, under 3 pillars, over the coming 5 years.  The three pillars are (1) better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe; (2) creating the right conditions and a level playing field for digital networks and innovative services to flourish; (3) maximising the growth potential of the digital economy.  Key actions include legal proposals for a 'more modern, more European copyright law', including reducing the differences between national copyright regimes, looking at the role of online intermediaries in relation to copyright-protected work, and stepping up enforcement against commercial-scale infringements of intellectual property rights.  The Commission aims to deliver on its targeted actions by the end of next year. More information can be found at: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4919_en.htm

Australian Copyright Council commissioned report on the economic contribution of the copyright industries released

The Australian Copyright Council has released the report it commissioned on the economic contribution of Australia's copyright industries from 2002 - 2014.  The report has found that copyright industries continue to comprise a substantial  proportion of the Australian economy. While the report takes into account the disruptive effects of digitisation, it states that copyright is a key piece of infrastructure that supports industries in a modern economy. 

In 2014, copyright industries contributed $11.4 billion to the Australian economy.  This is 7.1% of GDP and makes it the fourth biggest industry (up from 7th in a 2012 study).   

The full report is available here: http://www.copyright.org.au/admin/cms-acc1/_images/1355629560553d73e0a5427.pdf

Irwin Z. Robinson announced as recipient of the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Music Publishing

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), of which AMPAL is a member, has today revealed the honouree for the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.  Irwin Robinson, who the ICMP notes 'is one of music publishing’s most respected and innovative leaders', was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.  The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013, and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.  Robinson has served as both a National Music Publishers' Association board member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30.  Robinson also serves as Publisher Vice Chairman of the ASCAP Board, of which he has been a member for over 40 years, as a board member of The National Academy of Popular Music and as a custodian for The Songwriters' Hall of Fame.  Congratulations Irwin Robinson.     

Industry code to combat online copyright infringement lodged for registration

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The Communications Alliance has released the final version of the industry Code designed to help combat online copyright infringement, which will apply to approximately the largest 70 Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs): http://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/48551/C653-Copyright-Notice-Scheme-Industry-Code-FINAL.pdf.  The Code has now been submitted for registration with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).  The Code is the product of an intensive development process by Internet Service Providers and a broad alliance of Rights Holders from the music, film, television and performing arts industries, following the request by the Federal Government in December 2014.  The Code creates a Copyright Notice Scheme through which residential fixed internet users who are alleged to have infringed copyright online will receive an escalating series of infringement notices designed to change their behaviour and steer them toward lawful sources of content.  The effectiveness of the Code will be independently evaluated 18 months after its commencement.   

Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry valued at more than AUD$200 million

The 2014 survey of AMPAL members has again valued the Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry at just over AUD$200 million for the year. Although the survey included data from the industry collective management societies APRA AMCOS, it only related to royalties flowing through music publishing companies and did not include money paid directly to songwriters and composers. AMPAL members provided confidential information to auditors Rosenfeld & Kant who aggregated the data. 

Fifa Riccobono awarded Ted Albert Award

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At the 2015 APRA Music Awards, Fifa Riccobono was awarded the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music, in recognition of her 40 year career in the Australian music industry. As the CEO of Albert Music, Fifa was the first female CEO in Australian music history. Fifa's publishing company Viola Jade Music is a current AMPAL member, and Fifa has previously served as an AMPAL board director. Congratulations Fifa!

Draft Industry Code to Combat Online Copyright Infringement released for public comment

The Communications Alliance has released a draft Industry Code to combat online copyright infringement: http://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/47570/DR-C653-2015.pdf.  The Code is the product of an intensive development process by Internet Service Providers and a broad alliance of Rights Holders from the music, film, television and performing arts industries, following the request by the Federal Government in December 2014.  The Code creates a Copyright Notice Scheme through which residential fixed internet users who are alleged to have infringed copyright online will receive an escalating series of infringement notices designed to change their behaviour and steer them toward lawful sources of content.  The effectiveness of the Code will be independently evaluated 18 months after its commencement. 

The public have 30 days to submit comments on the draft. After that consultation period the code will be finalised and submitted for registration with ACMA, which is the regulator for the communications industry.  Comments can be submitted at:
http://www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment. The deadline for public comment is 23 March 2015.

 

CISAC releases 2015 Global Collections Report

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The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has released its 2015 Global Collections Report.

The Report reveals that total royalties remained stable for the year 2013 at €7.8 billion, with music repertoire accounting for the majority of collections at 87%.  Total collections for music repertoire were €6.765 billion, down 0.6% from €6.808 billion in 2012.

More information and the full report are available at: http://www.cisac.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/CISAC-Releases-2015-Global-Collections-Report 

US Copyright Office releases music licensing study

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The United States Copyright Office has released a comprehensive study of US music licensing arrangements entitled Copyright and the Music Marketplace.  The Copyright Office makes a number of recommendations for the US dealing with existing statutory licenses, the role of performing rights organisations, terrestrial performance rights for sound recordings, federal protection for pre-1972 sound recordings, access to music ownership data, and the concerns of songwriters and recording artists.  More information and the full report can be found at: http://copyright.gov/docs/musiclicensingstudy/

AMPAL Director Ian James nominated for International Music Industry Award

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AMPAL board director Ian James has been nominated for the Music Publisher award at the International Music Industry Awards to be announced at MUSEXPO on 29 April in Los Angeles.  Ian is the Managing Director of Mushroom Music Publishing (Australia).  For more information see: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/137762/musexpo-announces-nominees-for-international-music  Congratulations Ian!

The MPA has produced a series of videos on music publishing

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The Music Publishers Association in the UK has produced an entertaining and informative series of videos  that cover all aspects of publishing, from synchronisation to royalty collection and sheet music, while the final piece discusses the future of music publishing.

The trade body invited prominent figures to contribute, including Nigel Elderton (Peermusic), John Truelove (Truelove Music), Becca Gatrell and Caroline Elleray (Universal Music Publishing), Natasha Baldwin (Imagem), Sarah Osborn (Schott Music) and Jake Gosling (songwriter/producer).The videos are available for viewing on the MPA website: http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/videohomepage