Photo credit: Gadiel Lazcano
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has announced record revenues for 2024, reporting total income of €53 million (US$60.74 million). This figure represents a 16% increase on the previous year and a 25% increase compared to 2022.
Distributions to songwriters and publishers reached €46 million (US$52.66 million) in 2024, reflecting a 22% year-on-year increase and a 62% increase from 2022. IMRO’s international profile continues to expand, with new member intakes up 63%. The organization welcomed 4,323 new members in 2024, bringing total global membership to over 26,500 music creators in 180 countries.
Ireland’s live music sector saw strong growth, with concert revenues rising to €9.1 million (US$10.43 million), an increase of 29% year-on-year. This growth underscores the robust demand for live performances and the enduring strength of Ireland’s music culture. The premium segment, particularly outdoor events, was a key driver of growth, pushing box office revenues to new highs.
Broadcast revenues rose to €10.4 million ($11.92 million) – up 6% year-on-year. A notable achievement in 2024 was the conclusion of a new five-year contract with the satellite broadcasting sector, ensuring continued collection of royalties from overseas broadcasters serving the Irish market.
Multi-territory online revenue reached €6.3m ($7.22m) in 2024, marking a 59% increase (€2.3m/$2.64m) on the previous year. This growth reflects broader market momentum and IMRO’s expanding membership, as more rights holders, distributors and digital platforms select IMRO as their preferred partner for rights management across the online, live and broadcast sectors.
IMRO is entering a new phase of digital transformation, with the aim of improving the experience for members and licensees. In 2025, IMRO will launch a new self-licensing portal, simplifying the process for companies to obtain licenses and ensuring fair remuneration for commercial music use. The organisation is also simplifying its fee system to increase licensing and public performance royalty collections in Ireland at lower costs. The introduction of Music Recognition Technology will further improve the accuracy and fairness of public performance reporting.
“This year’s results reflect not only the strength and diversity of our members’ repertoires around the world, but also Imro’s ongoing commitment to championing music creators in a rapidly evolving industry,” says Imro CEO Victor Finn . “In particular, our work on artificial intelligence and copyright protections puts us at the forefront of global policy and advocacy for music creators.”
Finn adds: “The upcoming Code of Practice for the implementation of the EU AI Act must set out unambiguous rules to ensure that music rights holders receive a fair share of the remuneration generated by AI platforms using copyrighted music.”
