skip to main content

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022 | 2:57 PM Updated: 10 June 2022 | 10:11 AM
7 wooden shaped non gender figures on grey surface, with 3 dots in a speech bubble in white, one of the figures has a speech bubble in green showing they are talking.
“To help lobbying activities to correct this unacceptable position we are asking for brief statements from UK orchestra members". Image credit: Shutterstock.

The proposed change which sees PPL supporting MEAA (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance), will also directly benefit UK members as current practice means UK orchestral recordings broadcast in Australia do not generate these royalties.

Send your statement 

PPL are requesting statements from individual musicians to confirm the value of these royalties to you in their role of generating additional income. These statements will be shared with MEAA in an anonymised format but the name of your orchestra(s) is requested.

To submit a statement please email Peter Thoms, Performer Director at PPL via peter.thoms@yahoo.co.uk.

Peter Thoms said:

“Recording activities by UK orchestras generate Equitable Remuneration paid by PPL for use of those recordings in the UK, Europe and many other countries around the world.

In Australia orchestras receive nothing from the PPL equivalent PPCA. Their recordings are regarded as “bought out” of all rights.

“In addition, UK orchestral recordings broadcast in Australia do not generate royalties. We are in touch with the industry body that represents Australian orchestral musicians, MEAA.

“To help lobbying activities to correct this unacceptable position we are asking for brief statements from UK orchestra members to confirm the value of these rights that generate additional income for you.

“We will share these with MEAA. With a new Labour Government recently elected the timing for reform is opportune. We do not need to share individual names with MEAA but indication of membership of a particular orchestra would be useful”.

Get the recognition you deserve with MU membership

Access expert training, advice and services whether you are a full-time professional musician, occasional gig player, part-time music teacher or anything in between.

Explore the career advice

Get the recognition you deserve with MU membership

Continue reading

Empty stage with drum kit, cast in green light in a small music venue.

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

We welcome the recommendations made to Government in the report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS), and are hopeful that we can use this opportunity to start to repair the grassroots live scene for all involved.

Published: 14 May 2024

Read more about MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues
A young man in a wheel chair writing in his journal and working on his computer.

What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?

Catch up with musician Balraj Samrai, Labour MP John McDonnell and others on why unions should support a universal basic income (UBI), plus find out how you can be part of the movement too.

Published: 13 May 2024

Read more about What Could a UBI Do For My Trade Union?
Young woman playing acoustic guitar with friends in a field.

Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is proposing to cease its weekly creative sessions for young people from the end of this academic year. Members who will be affected by this are urged to contact their local regional office.

Published: 13 May 2024

Read more about Members Affected by RWCMD Consultation Urged to Contact the MU