BERLIN — The German copyright collecting society GEMA carried over momentum from the previous year and increased revenues by nearly 5% in 2019.
In total, the collecting society generated income amounting to €1.07 billion euros ($1.19 billion), up from €1.02 billion ($1.13 billion) in 2018.
Of this amount, €905.6 million ($1.007 billion) was distributed to members and rights owners worldwide. This income was offset by total expenses of €163.7 million ($182 million), up from €159.7 million.
The expense ratio was 15.3 percent (2018: 15.7 percent), which means it was below planned level. "Against the background of current developments, GEMA's very good 2019 financial year will form a 'crisis airbag' for our members," said GEMA CEO Dr.