Despite the challenging situation in society and the economy as a whole, the German music collectors association and one of the world’s largest music authors’ associations, GEMA, have achieved the best results from to date in 2022. The association’s total revenue for the financial year was EUR 1.178 billion (up more than 13% from EUR 1.039 billion in 2021). For the first time in GEMA’s history, the total distribution will exceed the billion euro mark.
Munich – The lifting of pandemic-related restrictions from the second quarter has led to a significant revival of cultural life and a significant increase in revenue from public musical performances. In addition, growth in the online sector continues, especially music and movie streaming. Overall revenue so far far exceeds pre-Corona levels. As a result, the music collectors association will be able to distribute EUR 1.009 billion – more than ever before – to members and rights holders around the world.
Dr. Harald Heker, CEO of GEMA, said: “Our members can expect a very pleasant distribution in 2023. Including our collection duties, the total distribution will exceed one billion euros for the first time.This is a record result.The revival of events and musical performances is a comfort to members after three hard years. The authors, as well as nearly the entire music culture industry, have sacrificed a lot over the years and now truly deserve this success.”
Total income offset by expenses is EUR 168.6 million (EUR 152.4 million in 2021). The all-inclusive expense ratio is 14.3% (2021: 14.7%) and below the planned level of 15.6% despite the overall inflation rate of 7.9%. This is a testament to disciplined budget management.
Dr. Harald Heker: Copyright must be protected consistently
Besides the resurgence of events, online revenue is also growing quite dynamically. This is partly due to general market growth and re-licensing of older stages, but also especially due to successful contract negotiations for music streaming. Audio streaming continues to be the fastest growing music industry segment. However, the authors are still harmed by a significant imbalance in revenue distribution, as pointed out in a study of the German music streaming market from research and consulting firm Goldmedia, published in September 2022. GEMA increasingly includes this imbalance in its cultural policy agenda. “The trend of streaming should not lead to a decline in author’s rights. GEMA’s most important mission is and remains to protect the rights of fairness in all areas, while ensuring the conditions for a sound platform. live music and culture and diverse landscapes,” continued Heker.
Please quickly find GEMA’s most important revenue areas here: www.gema.de/annual-report-2022
In Germany, GEMA represents the copyrights of nearly 90,000 members (composers, lyricists, music publishers) and more than two million rights holders globally. It is one of the world’s largest authors’ associations for musical works.
Press contact:
Ursula Goebel, Director of Communications, e-mail: [email protected], Tel.: +49 89 48003-426
Christiane Hoschek, Senior Communications Manager, e-mail: [email protected], Tel.: +49 89 48003-421
