PeteM wrote:
My understanding was that SARRAL was responsible for collecting revinue for anything relating to the mechanicacl rights. I.e. copying of existing recorded material. At least that is what they did in the library music side. Some years ago now, the major publishers of library music in SA had a fall out with SARRAL and got together to form NORM and informed all users to submit returns to them and not to SARRAL. This in effect wiped out SARRAL.
SAMRO on the other hand collect revenue for the performance of any music. I.e. music on radio and TV as well as for the music played in hotels, restaurants, stadia and convention centres etc.
There has always been a concern, from as far back as the 70's, as to what SARRAL's actual role was.
A few notes in addition to this:
NORM succeeded some years ago in getting half of the SABC's Blanket Licence payments and this contributed to SARRAL's drop in income. However, instead of cutting costs or raising commission, SARRAL simply used royalty money to fund its operation, in conflict with its rules and member agreements.
SAMRO has historically collected performance royalties ie for live gigs as well as broadcasts on tv and radio (plus hotels, bars, restaurants etc). In May 2006, SAMRO announced that it would also collect and administer Mechanical royalties.
There is also the issue of Needletime, which should be of special interest on this forum as many folks here probably play guitar on recordings. Needletime is a new royalty which is shared 50-50 by performers and owners of recordings. SAMRO will also administer Needletime, so it's worthwhile to visit their website for more info.
