SoundExchange Royalty Distribution Nearing $1 Billion

SoundExchange distributed $292 million in royalty payments last year, up 17 percent from the prior year. The royalties are paid by Internet radio, satellite radio and cable TV music-only channels for their use of sound recordings, and are distributed by SoundExchange to recording artists, record labels, and a non-featured artist fund.

This brings total royalties distributed since the organization’s inception to more than $900 million. Based on last year’s distribution, it is likely the organization will hit the $1 billion mark soon.

SoundExchange’s distributions continue to grow each quarter, with the most recent being its largest to date. Fourth quarter 2011 distribution totaled $89.5 million with more than 18,000 payments.

The PRO’s 2010 administration rate was 6.7 percent, and the organization is projecting its 2011 administration rate to be even lower.