The latest issue of Music & Copyright is now available for subscribers to download. Here are some of the highlights.
European Parliament adopts MEP Julia Reda’s copyright report
The European Parliament has voted by a large majority to adopt MEP Julia Reda’s report on the EU Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC. The report addressed provisions in the copyright directive that its author said had not been able to keep step with the increase of online cross-border cultural exchange. It called for an urgent review of copyright legislation and for a harmonization of copyright across Europe. Following the vote, a number organizations welcomed the Parliament’s backing of a fair balance between the rights and interests of creators and consumers, but their differences on what the vote represented and what course of action the EU should now take suggests a difficult few months ahead before the European Commission presents its specific copyright reform proposals.
Positive first six months of 2015 for recorded music sales in Germany
Figures published by the German music trade body Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) show total consumer spending on recorded music grew 4.4% in the first six months of this year compared with the same period of 2014. A big jump in music subscriptions was the main reason for the growth, but the continued revival of the vinyl LP and an unexpected rise in sales of album downloads also boosted overall sales. Despite a decline in spending on CD albums, the format still accounted for the majority of music retail sales. The boom in streaming sales meant combined spending on music subscriptions and advertising income from streaming services accounted for almost 13% of total sales.
ZAiKS bemoans low digital gains as collections edge down in 2014
Polish authors’ society ZAiKS has reported its financial statements for 2014. At a press conference, ZAiKS’ vice president Marek Hojda and CEO Piotr Wąsaty said total collections were down slightly compared with 2013, but were still the second highest in the society’s history. Moreover, the administration rate was down, to 16.4%, from 17.1%. Broadcasting was the biggest income source for ZAiKS. However, despite an increase in public service TV income, a decrease in public service radio and commercial TV collections meant overall broadcasting income was down. A big jump in cinema collections boosted public performance earnings but the ongoing shift to digital from physical recorded music formats meant mechanical collections for ZAiKS continued to fall.
Mexico country report
In addition to the usual set of music industry statistics and news briefs, the latest issue of Music & Copyright includes a detailed Mexico music industry profile. Mexico is Latin America’s second largest recorded music market and the region’s biggest live market. Although record company income from the sale of recorded music is suffering from the steady transition away from physical formats and, more recently, digital downloads, rising interest in streaming offers more than just a glimmer of hope for a return to trade revenue growth. SME maintained its lead as the biggest record company in Mexico, although a rise in share for second-placed UMG has closed the gap on the leader. Mexico’s biggest events company, Interamericana de Entretenimiento, suffered a fall in live music income in 2014. However, this year has started well for the promoter with revenue growth and a big jump in net income.
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