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UK businesses continue to invest in music and international collections return to growth
 
Music licensing company PPL’s revenue reached £301.0 million in 2024 (2023: £283.5 million), an increase of £17.5m (6%) year-on-year and the highest in its 90-year history. Often referred to as ‘Neighbouring Rights’, PPL income includes public performance and broadcast revenues collected in the UK and globally. Growth was driven by UK businesses investing in public performance licences, rising international revenues, and stable income from broadcast and online licensing. 
 
Net revenue after operating costs and other deductions was £261.9 million, with the cost to revenue ratio increasing slightly to 13.2% (2023: 13%) driven by ongoing investment in long term technology infrastructure. In 2024, PPL paid over 172,000 performers and recording rightsholders (record companies, self-releasing artists etc). A total of 19,300 performers or recording rightsholders were paid either as direct members of PPL or indirectly through other international collective management organisations (CMOs) for the first time last year.

 
Public Performance income reaches new heights as more businesses invest in music
PPL’s public performance revenue (licensing of recorded music in public places such as shops, bars, restaurants, gyms, offices and warehouses) and dubbing income (licensing of B2B services providing equipment and music to public performance venues) grew 9% to £121.4 million in 2024 (2023: £111.7 million).
 
These results reflect the continued success of PPL’s licensing of more than 400,000 venues through Leicester-based PPL PRS Ltd, a joint venture between PPL and PRS for Music (who represent composers, songwriters and music publishers). It also highlights the continued investment in music by a broad range of businesses to help grow revenues and enhance the customer and employee experience. This includes brands such as Amazon, B&Q, British Airways, DHL, Marks & Spencer, Oliver Bonas, Sofology and Travelodge.
 
As more companies look to attract staff back into the workplace, PPL saw sector revenue growth of 8% as the number of factories and offices taking a music license increased in 2024. This supports findings by PPL PRS Ltd that 82.3% of people surveyed agreed that they would prefer a workplace that plays music when considering a new role, while just over 70% said music played at work makes them feel more engaged with the business.
 
The UK’s appetite for health and fitness shows no signs of slowing down with 10.7 million registered gym members in 2024, an increase of 4.1% year-on-year according to the State of UK Fitness Report. PPL also saw a revenue uplift of 8% as the number of customers in the fitness space, covering gyms and exercise classes, grew.
 
In addition, some of the growth in 2024 came from the revised Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) tariff which PPL launched two years ago. Covering recorded music used in DJ sets and discos in pubs, bars, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, it has continued to drive increased returns for performers and recording rightsholders. 

 
International revenues grow 7% as more performers choose PPL for neighbouring rights
International revenue increased by 7% to £81.0 million (2023: £75.4m), reflecting a rise in the number of performers and recording rightsholders choosing PPL for royalty collections overseas. The organisation remains a leader in neighbouring rights, with 113 agreements across 52 countries, covering more than 95% of the market by value, as not all countries have neighbouring rights. These revenues include public performance, broadcast, blank media levies, cable retransmission and, in some cases, streaming royalties from other collective management organisations (CMOs) around the world.
 
The growth was driven by strong returns for recording rightsholders from several countries, including high payments from traditional markets such as France, where there were in-market increases in collections as reported by IFPI in the Global Music Report 2025. Some backdated payments continued to flow through from CMOs in both Canada and Sweden as long-term collection disputes were resolved or close-out policies implemented. PPL also saw an uplift in collections from the Netherlands, Spain and the US, with ongoing data improvements increasing the speed of payment and an increase in the number of performers represented by the organisation. Royalties were also paid for the first time in 2024 to PPL performer members for use of their music in India and Azerbaijan, and to recording rightsholders for use in Guatemala.
 
Tens of thousands of performers choose PPL for international collections and 2024 was no exception. Hundreds of new mandates were signed with established and emerging artists including Ice Spice, Kenya Grace, Lewis Capaldi, The Last Dinner Party, Yoko Ono and the estate of John Lennon. PPL also retained over 99% of its existing mandates, and renewed agreements with performers including Artemas, Cat Burns and Eve.

 
Broadcast and online revenues see steady overall growth of 2%  
Broadcast and online licensing revenue grew by 2% to £98.6 million (2023: £96.4m), with PPL licensing music across linear and on demand TV services, and radio and online stations which broadcast in the UK.
 
Most of PPL’s larger television deals were in the middle of their terms in 2024, although the growth in TV broadcasters' online services continued to contribute to increased revenues for PPL through the annual adjustment mechanisms built into those deals. With the BBC, PPL licensed the launch of new webcast audio services on BBC Sounds including R1 Anthems and R3 Unwind.
 
Growth from commercial radio revenues came from a recovery in the radio advertising market and PPL continued to make progress with its webcast licensing, signing a new multi-territory webcast agreement with Deezer for the multi-channel Sonos Radio service covering the UK and six other European territories. This, coupled with settlements with broadcasters for webcasts in prior years and PPL now licensing over 1,200 online webcast services, saw PPL revenue improve in this area
Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL said: “2024 was another strong year for PPL as we grew licensing revenue across the board. These landmark collections in our 90th year are a result of our team’s consistent efforts to ensure our members’ talent and investment is fairly rewarded when their music is broadcast or played in public spaces.  More and more performers and recording rightsholders are choosing PPL for international collections, as we continue to produce positive results through our collaborative approach with partners around the world, helping speed up collections and payments to our members.”
 

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Oasis Live '25 And London Playing Fields Foundation (LPFF) announce new collaboration

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24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing ANZ Signs Thai Artist WIM in First Southeast Asia Deal

  Concord Music Publishing ANZ is thrilled to announce the signing of acclaimed Thai artist, songwriter, and producer WIM to a global publishing agreement, marking Concord's first-ever signing in Thailand and Southeast Asia. WIM - Karn Kasidej Hongladaromp - first rose to prominence as one half...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Yes Please now representing Iona Bielby, creator of Stargazer and announce team updates

Boutique music publicity company Yes Please are thrilled to announce they are now representing Iona Bielby, a rising force in music journalism, content creation, DJing, and presenting. Iona is the creator and visionary behind the YouTube interview series Stargazer. The...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

SoundOn and Tomorrowland Music team up to create original music for Tomorrowland

Artists including Alan Walker, Faangs, Ely Oaks, Lavinia, Alexandra Stan, Pegassi, MORTEN and Cloudy June have created brand new tracks at the SoundOn x Tomorrowland Music songwriter camp    Today, TikTok, the official content partner of Tomorrowland, is proud to announce the...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

DJ‑Built Live-Streaming Platform LFG.tv will launch in September

The bold new platform, supported by inMusic (Denon DJ, Rane, Numark), Technics, Toolroom, Defected & more, is here to reshape the way DJs and fans connect with no DMCA takedowns, fairer pay and real community connections  Sign-up:lfg.tv   Launching globally on September 1,...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Marshall Amplification Co-Founder Terry Marshall makes £100,000 Pledge to 'Own Our Venues'

Significant donation made to help protect grassroots music venues amid call for wider industry to support emerging talent. Terry Marshall, co-founder of Marshall Amplification, and his wife Lesley, have made a personal donation of £100,000 to Own Our Venues, the groundbreaking...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Raye to be recognised as Songwriter Advocate with an Ivors Academy Honour

THE FIRST EVER IVORS ACADEMY HONOURS CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL PARK LANE ON 2 OCTOBER 2025     The Ivors Academy has announced that multi-award-winning songwriter, artist and campaigner RAYE will receive an Ivors Academy Honour on Thursday 2 October 2025, in recognition...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group strikes deal with writers of Icelandic Band Sigur Ros

Chester Music Limited, part of Wise Music Group has entered into an agreement with the writers of Sigur Rós, to create and publish arrangements, adaptations, new versions and editions of the Icelandic band’s iconic songs, and new classical works. On...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

We Love Green, Combat, and AEG Presents Announce Strategic Partnership in Support of the Trailblazing and Purpose-Driven Paris Festival

We Love Green, one of Europe’s most pioneering and environmentally-conscious music festivals, has announced a strategic partnership with Combat and AEG Presents, Combat — an independent media and culture organization — and AEG Presents — a global leader in live...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

EXIT Festival Triumphs Despite Intense Government Pressure

The 25th Edition of Exit Festival welcomed 200,000 visitors and featured The Prodigy, Sex Pistols, Amelie Lens and Nina Kraviz in what is likely to be its final edition in Serbia    Uncertain until the very last moment, the 25th edition of EXIT...more

24 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sziget statement on Kneecap

The Hungarian Government this morning announced a three year ban on Kneecap, thus preventing them from appearing at Superstruct-owned festival Sziget on 11 August. Sziget have made this statement.   At 11:00 a.m. today, we received official notice that the Hungarian Government will...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Co-op Live Recognised as One the World's Leading Sustainable Arenas by A Greener Future

Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, has been named A Greener Arena 2025, receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ status as part of A Greener Future (AGF) certification – recognising its strong commitment to protecting the planet. The ‘Highly Commended’ certification,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists

  Major boost for UK music creators as government drives industry to produce new measures to support legacy artists, songwriters and session musicians Changes estimated by labels to deliver tens of millions of pounds in new investment to support musicians by 2030,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

SourceAudio Teams Up with ElevenLabs as Preferred Partner for AI Music Licensing

  SourceAudio, the music industry’s most widely adopted sync platform and leader in AI music dataset licensing, today announced its partnership with AI audio research and deployment company ElevenLabs. Through the partnership, SourceAudio will be the preferred music licensing partner for ElevenLabs,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy secures daily expense payments for songwriters from UK major labels

Until now, paying songwriters to work at label writing sessions was down to individual negotiation with many left to cover travel and subsistence costs.  Acclaimed songwriters including RAYE and Myles Smith have called for per diems – daily expense payments –...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

BPI statement on DCMS announcement on CRWG/economics of music streaming: BPI Principles recommend targeted support for UK legacy artists, songwriters, and session musicians

Sophie Jones, BPI’s Chief Strategy Officer said:  “After five years of detailed scrutiny and analysis, we are pleased to put in place these creator remuneration principles for UK labels in response to specific concerns identified in the UK’s streaming debate.  “Many more artists are...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

UK Gov Creator Remuneration Principles – comment from Association of Independent Music

Gee Davy, Chief Executive of AIM, comments: “We welcome the government's review of music streaming economics and the continued engagement of Ministers and officials in seeking to address industry challenges with stated support for growth and fairness.“The UK's independent music...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group accelerates the development of its AI technology patents with IP asset management, investment and advisory firm Liquidax Capital

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic partnership with IP asset management, investment and advisory firm Liquidax Capital, to accelerate the development of UMG’s music-related AI patents. Since 2020, UMG has been a music industry...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels Announcement

The Government and record labels, including the three major labels, have today announced a package of principles and commitments, which they say will better remunerate creators in the streaming era.  We are grateful to Minister Chris Bryant who has put significant...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Boutique music publicity company Yes Please now representing music journalist, content curator, DJ and up-and-coming talent Iona Bielby, creator of Stargazer

  Boutique music publicity company Yes Please are thrilled to announce they are now representing Iona Bielby, a rising force in music journalism, content creation, DJing, and presenting. Iona is the creator and visionary behind the YouTube interview series Stargazer. The show features Iona laid...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes European Commission’s decision to open detailed investigation into UMG\s acquisition of Downtown, urges full scrutiny and blocking of deal

  IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies representing over 6,000 independent music companies and associations, welcomes the European Commission’s decision to open a detailed investigation (phase two) into the proposed merger between Universal Music Group (UMG) and Downtown Music...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

AEG Presents Elevates Jim King to Chief Executive Officer, AEG Presents UK and European Festivals

Steve Homer Takes on New Role as President, UK Touring   AEG Presents, a global leader in live entertainment, today announced that Jim King has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals. In...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

CMM statement on Creator Remuneration Working Group outcomes

The government has published a statement on the outcomes of the Creator Remuneration Working Group which has been meeting since April 2024. This is a response to that statement from the Council Of Music Makers, which brings together the Ivors...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Adrien Nunez to Global Deal

  Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the signing of rising country artist and songwriter Adrien Nunez to a global publishing administration agreement. A Brooklyn native and former University of Michigan basketball standout, Adrien Nunez has swiftly emerged as one of music’s most...more

22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Music Industry Trusts Award: 2025 recipient - Ashley Tabor-King CBE

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT GROUP In recognition of his dedication to the music industryEvent to take place on Monday 3rd NovemberThis event supports the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Founder & Executive President...more

22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Yoto brings Wicked: The Soundtrack to Platform

The children’s audio platform adds the blockbuster motion picture soundtrack to its music library   Yoto, the award-winning audio platform for children, today announced the release of Wicked: The Soundtrack as the latest addition to its growing catalogue of audio content. Released as a...more

22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Andrew Cushin signs a major publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin has signed a major global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, one of the UK’s most respected independent music publishers. The deal marks a landmark moment in Andrew Cushin’s rise, which has seen him...more

21 Jul 2025 | Press release

Frontiers Music SRL welcomes rock icon John Corabi to its artist roster

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of legendary rock vocalist John Corabi to its roster of iconic artists. Known for his powerful voice and rich legacy with bands like Mötley Crüe, The Dead Daisies, Union, and The Scream,...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Three Six Zero names Aimee Jessiman Head of Management (UK)

  At Three Six Zero, Jessiman works on global talent such as Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia. In her new role, Jessiman will work closely with Three Six Zero Founder & CEO Mark Gillespie, overseeing all aspects of artist management, serving as a resource...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Artist & Manager Awards return on Thursday 20th November

  The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF) are delighted to reveal that our annual Artist & Manager Awards ceremony returns to London’s Bloomsbury Big Top on Thursday 20th November 2025.  Early bird tickets and table sales are available...more

24 Jul 2025

  • Government efforts on streaming reform fall short of a reset – next steps? (see Comment)

23 Jul 2025

  • Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists (see News)

  • Tributes paid to Ozzy Osbourne (see Features, Showbiz&News)

22 Jul 2025

  • Darcus Beese talks ADHD, signing Sabrina Carpenter and the ‘headf*ck’ of running a major label (see Features)

  • Spotify publishes AI-generated songs from dead artists without permission (see Digital)

21 Jul 2025

  • Why 2025’s charts are so stale (see Comment)

18 Jul 2025

  • Has pop music become stagnant? Kind of yes but also no (see Analysis)

  • Why are we still using Spotify? (see Opinion)

17 Jul 2025

  • TikTok launches TikTok Songwriter Features (see Digital)

  • EU Commission reportedly prepares ‘full-scale, four-month investigation’ into UMG’s proposed Downtown purchase (see Business)

16 Jul 2025

  • Lisa Nandy MP addressed the UK Music Summer Party (see News)

  • Building fandom is about the journey, not the destination (see Opinion)

15 Jul 2025

  • Industry calls for streaming sites to tag music created by AI-generated acts (see News)

14 Jul 2025

  • “Content is king” say analysts - so why is Spotify worth more than the entire music rights industry? (see Comment)

11 Jul 2025

  • Where’s the next wave of working-class rock stars? (see Features)

  • Populists vs. tech titans: The battle over AI and the future of music (see Comment)