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MCPS Mechanical Distributions Top $232M in 2022 — Highest Payout Total Since 2007

The music industry has had to adapt to massive changes over the last decade, but the success of Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) shows that that disruption was far from permanent. The society reported its highest payout total since 2007 with a total of £188.4 million ($232M) for distributions to its 34,000 members during 2022. This marks the fourth consecutive year of increased royalty payments for members.

MCPS collects royalties for songwriters, publishers, and composers when their music is awarded mechanical royalties, such as streaming, digital downloads, CDs, and cassettes. There have been periods of revenue decline, but MCPS has implemented innovative strategies that are making a real difference in the life of creative workers.

In 2012, MCPS was restructured to promote efficiency and improved service delivery, enabling faster royalty payments. In 2020, MCPS formed a strategic partnership with Swiss-based OneRights, which allowed members to access real-time data to better understand copyright usage on their music in other countries. It also created a streamlined system for mechanical right’s collection on music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

“We are exceptionally proud of the work we have undertaken to protect mechanical rights and deliver maximum returns to our members,” said MCPS CEO Robert Ashcroft. “We are delighted to see our efforts paying off - particularly in such challenging times.”

The increasing number of people streaming music online means a larger pool of earnings for songwriters and publishers. However, many of the largest platforms do not pay out the amount they should be due to the complex nature of operating internationally. MCPS resolves this problem by offering one point of contact for distribution across multiple global markets.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s comforting to know that organizations like MCPS are doing their part to support the growth of creative workers. For many musicians, the payouts they receive from MCPS have become essential to their long-term financial stability. At the same time, MCPS provides music services with reliable data about their copyright, allowing them to make informed business decisions.

Overall, MCPS is doing everything it can to ensure that music creatives are getting the royalties they deserve. By streamlining international operations and offering better services to its members, MCPS is providing an invaluable resource to the music industry.