1 July 2010
UK SONGWRITING TALENT EARNING IN 155 COUNTRIES
PRS for Music reports international income has more than doubled in the last decade
PRS for Music the organisation that represents the UK’s songwriters, composers and music publishers has announced that income from its members’ music used internationally has grown over 250% in the last decade. During 2009 UK songwriting earned £166.9m from 155 countries globally, up 19.4% on 2008 (2008 = £139.8m).
The huge increase from £66m income in 1999 has come about through a proactive effort to enhance licensing in existing countries and expand music into new areas, coupled with the continued popularity of UK music abroad. Britain is one of only three net exporters of music globally with the others being the United States and Sweden.
Highlights of the last decade include:
- The most important overseas markets for UK music are USA, France, Germany and Japan
- Rapid growth in income from ‘emerging’ markets ranging from Brazil (up 448%) to Romania (up 8,689%)
- Income from UK music used on television is now over £50.4m due to the global success of British TV formats such as X Factor and international shows featuring British music in soundtracks
- Digital income through download and streaming services has grown rapidly but is still small at £1.8m in 2009
Robert Ashcroft Chief Executive of PRS for Music said: “These are very strong figures which reaffirm the success of British songwriters and the British music industry on the global stage. Even in a recession, British musical talent is able to the make money in markets ranging from Brazil to Romania. Music is a great British success story around the globe and we are working hard to continue this growth throughout 2010.”
Whilst much success has been achieved in licensing the use of British music when it is played, performed or reproduced internationally there are still countries where the enforcement of copyright and intellectual law is not as strong. The Middle East and India both represent growth opportunities as British music is popular although revenues are currently small, and although local music is the stronger player the sheer size of the Chinese market also represents a significant territory for future growth.
Robert Ashcroft added: “We are working with many stakeholders and developing partnerships in a range of countries to encourage the enforcement of workable copyright law including licensing music users directly”.
ENDS
For more information, get in touch:
Nicola Formoy, Public Relations Manager:
nicola.formoy@prsformusic.com
02073064229 / 07539 837436
Barney Hooper, Head of PR:
barney.hooper@prsformusic.com
02073064548 / 07979 757052
PRS for Music:
PRS for Music represents 65,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.
PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.6bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data and comment for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up to date analysis, research and trends about the industry.
www.prsformusic.com
www.myspace.com/prsformusic