In the UK, performers are entitled to receive equitable remuneration (sometimes referred to as royalties) when their recordings are used on radio, TV, and in public spaces. Performers from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are now automatically entitled to this equitable remuneration where:
- they have a performance on a sound recording protected by UK copyright, including sound recordings released prior to 15 December 2024; and
- that sound recording is played in public or included in a broadcast on or after 15 December 2024.
Performers from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore can register directly, and at no cost, with PPL to claim performances to help ensure that they get paid UK broadcast and public performance royalties on their recordings.
The first payments of such royalties will take place in June 2025 and will cover airplay from 15-31 December 2024. Payments to performers from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore in respect of broadcasts and public performances in 2025 will first be made in December 2025 and June 2026 in accordance with PPL’s usual distribution procedures.
As part of broader qualification changes across the EU, performers from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are likely to qualify for equitable remuneration in an increasing number of countries and are encouraged to sign an international mandate with PPL.
As a result of performers from these countries qualifying for Equitable Remuneration in the UK, some recording rightsholders will see a reduction in the amount of revenue they receive from PPL as the income is now shared with these performers.
