PPL's 'strong year' eclipsed by hardship affecting the music community

By Emmanuel Legrand

The virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PPL has approved the financial results of the British neighbouring rights society for 2019. During the year, PPL’s total revenue reached a record £271.8 million (€293.5m), a 10% increase on 2018. In 2019, PPL distributed royalties at least once to over 108,000 performers and 11,000 recording rights-holders.

“2019 was a strong year for PPL," commented PPL Chief Executive Officer Peter Leathem. "We grew our collections by 10% and also celebrated our 85th anniversary, reflecting on PPL’s achievements and looking to the future." However, Leathem said these achievements have to be put in the context of the global pandemic that has affected businesses around the world.

Supporting the wider industry

"While this long-term future still looks positive, COVID-19 has caused significant hardship for many in the music community," added Leathem. "This year, we have worked hard to support our members and the wider industry, contributing over £1 million to industry hardship funds so those who have fallen into financial hardship can access support. In April we also made an advance payment to our members of £23.9 million to bridge the gap between our traditional March and June payments. The total of these three royalty distributions equals £175 million paid out to performers and recording rights-holders this year so far."

During the AGM, two new members were elected to the board of PPL: Soriya Clayton (Demon Music Group) and Charlotte Saxe (Warner Music UK). In addition, Joy Ellington (VP Records), who joined the board as a director in July after Roger Armstrong (Ace Records) stepped down, has been re-elected along with Peter Leathem.