Music Publishing Hits New Highs, PRS Breaks Records, and the Radio Royalties Debate Heats Up
How The Music Business Works - Issue #14
June 5, 2025
Welcome to this week’s edition of How the Music Business Works.
Brought to you by Music Admin, where we help creators and rightsholders navigate the ins and outs of publishing, distribution, and royalties. If you’re looking for clarity in a complex industry, we’re here to help.
This week, we’ve got fresh numbers showing just how much music publishing is growing, new momentum in the push for performance royalties on U.S. radio, and a pair of major copyright cases grabbing headlines.
Here’s what’s happening.
ICMP’s First Global Survey Reveals Music Publishing Generates $11.1B Annually Across 16 Key Markets
The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) released its first global analysis of music publishing, revealing over $11 billion in annual revenue across 16 key markets. The study found 61.8% of income came from collective management organizations, while 38.2% was collected directly by publishers. Digital made up nearly half of total revenue, with significant variation across countries. The report highlights the growing importance of transparency, data, and global cooperation in navigating industry shifts and supporting songwriters.
PRS for Music Paid Out $1.3Bn to Songwriters, Composers and Publishers in 2024, Up 8.1% YoY
UK collection society PRS for Music paid out £1.02 billion ($1.3bn) in royalties in 2024, up 8.1% from the previous year. Total revenue grew 6.1% to £1.15 billion, with online royalties reaching £401.2 million and video game income surging nearly 180% thanks to a new deal with Sony PlayStation. International collections rose to £351.4 million, up nearly 80% from 2015. CEO Andrea Czapary Martin attributed the growth to continued tech investment and a modern, data-driven approach. New members were also elected to PRS’s Writer and Publisher Councils at the annual meeting.
AM Radio Mandate is Moving in Congress — But Should It Pair with Performance Royalty Requirements?
A coalition of automakers and tech companies, including the Consumer Technology Association and the musicFIRST Coalition, is urging Congress to support the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). In a letter to lawmakers, the group argued that mandating AM radio in vehicles without addressing the lack of performance royalties for recording artists would perpetuate an unfair system. The coalition calls for immediate passage of AMFA, which would require terrestrial radio to pay artists—something already mandated for satellite and streaming services.
ISP Frontier Settles with Major Labels After Multi-Year Copyright Infringement Battle
Major record labels have settled a long-running copyright lawsuit with internet provider Frontier, ending the case with all parties agreeing to cover their own legal costs. The terms remain confidential, and the case was dismissed with prejudice. The suit accused Frontier of failing to act against repeat piracy offenders on its network. The settlement follows similar cases against other ISPs and comes amid broader legal and legislative efforts to hold providers accountable for online piracy.
Meta Sued by Eminem’s Publishing Company Over Alleged Copyright Infringement
Eminem’s music publisher is suing Meta for allegedly storing and distributing the rapper’s music on Facebook and Instagram without proper licenses. The lawsuit claims Meta enabled widespread unauthorized use of tracks like “Lose Yourself,” even after some were removed, and seeks at least $109 million in damages. Meta says it was negotiating in good faith and maintains it has global music licensing deals.