Where does IMRO get all the information from?

IMRO obtains programme details (logs of music works broadcast) from broadcasters and selected other music users licensed by IMRO.

Generally speaking broadcasters are required to submit complete returns of all music used. Smaller local radio stations can, by special arrangement, submit sample returns in respect of broadcasts which have taken place using commercial recordings. They are, however, required to supply complete returns of all music which is broadcast ‘live’ from the studio or at a local outside event or specially recorded in the studio. IMRO monitors the output of all radio and television stations on a random sample basis and checks the results against the returns submitted.

As  far as possible IMRO distributes royalties collected from a specific live event across performance data from that event.  For concerts of classical copyright music, programmes are collected for each concert and the revenue is distributed on the basis of those programmes. For other genres, the revenue from a concert is distributed on the basis of its set list.

Furthermore, where a set list has been provided to IMRO, the revenue from a series of concerts by the same performer, including tours and residencies, is also distributed on the basis of this representative set list. Members and affiliates have the opportunity to provide IMRO with details of their set lists and of their tours and residencies in Ireland on a quarterly basis for the previous three months for distribution purposes.

The remaining revenue from live performance pools is distributed on the basis of a number of independent surveys, notably a quarterly ‘live performance survey’ of venues where live music performances frequently take place.

Royalties for most performances given by recorded means (CD or cassette players, jukeboxes, radio and television sets, background music devices etc.) are distributed by reference to data, obtained from sources other than directly from the licensees which reflect the prevailing pattern of music use. This data includes record sales charts for both singles and albums and transmission details from both radio and TV broadcasters.