New Report: Music Rights Organisations Should Prioritise Social Sustainability Issues

There is substantial potential for the industry and Music Rights Organisations (CMOs) to act on sustainability. That is the conclusion of a new report issued by the CMOs in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. The report shows that the industry and CMOs can have a profound impact on social issues such as diversity, equity, and mental health, which are also areas where creators and industry stakeholders expect the member organisations to act.

As the world grapples with climate change, economic disruption, and growing social inequality, according to the new report, CMOs are well-placed to influence these challenges. In addition, the report offers a structured approach for integrating Environmental (E), Social (S) and Governance (G) action into music industry strategies.

Social Issues Should Be Key Priorities
The report applies the dual-lens approach, which identifies both the impact of ESG issues on society and the environment, and their financial implications for CMOs. The report emphasises that pressing social issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); mental health and well-being; job security; and fair remuneration are the most pressing for CMOs to address. The report underlines that these systemic issues have significant implications across the music industry and will require collaborative efforts to resolve.

Governance and Transparency Remain Crucial
Governance is another critical theme assessed through the research. CMOs are urged to strengthen their internal democratic structures, enhance transparency, and ensure responsible asset management. The CMOs' collective power can be harnessed to advocate for better rights management, and cross-border collaboration to amplify ESG initiatives.

The report puts forward that strong governance practices are key for fostering trust within the music community and for ensuring that sustainability goals are achieved, benefiting both the industry and society at large.

Next Steps for the Music Rights Organisations
Finally, the report recognises that the CMOs' direct environmental impact is limited. Nevertheless, it highlights the importance of addressing the substantial indirect climate impact of the music industry, such as energy usage in data centers and the environmental footprint of live performances. By focusing on issues that can positively impact both people and the planet in addition to the financial sustainability of organisations, the Nordic CMOs hope to provide a clear path for other industry players to follow. The report underscores the necessity of international cooperation in addressing ESG challenges.

Behind this report
The Nordic Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) for authors and publishers - Koda , STIM, TONO, TEOSTO and STEF – have developed this report in collaboration with consulting partner Nordic Sustainability. Koda is the Danish CMO for authors and music publishers, STIM the Swedish, TONO the Norwegian, TEOSTO the Finnish and STEF the Icelandic CMO for authors and publishers.

Media Contacts:
Koda: Jonas Kleinschmidt, Head of Press Relations, jkl@koda.dk +45 28687560
Stim: Lisa-Rut Sandbladh, Press & Communications, lisa-rut.sandbladh@stim.se +46 08 7839565
Teosto: Vappu Aura, Director of Communications & PR, vappu.aura@teosto.fi +358 50 560 4450
Tono: Willy Martinsen, Director of Communications, willy.martinsen@tono.no +47 909 65 254