10 November 2005

CAL reports record growth in revenue

Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) has reported another strong year of growth for 2004-05, with an increase of nearly 20% pushing the company's total revenue to a record $86.2m.

As at 30 June 2005, CAL had paid $43.1m to members – more than double the $20m paid to members in 2000-01.

Speaking at CAL 's Annual General Meeting today, Chief Executive Michael Fraser said “CAL 's growth in revenue is a great result for our members.”

“In global terms, CAL compares more than favourably with its counterparts, distributing to members an average of $AUD2.49 per capita of population. By comparison, the US distributes an average of $AUD 0.43c, Canada $AUD0.78c and the UK $AUD1.41,” Mr Fraser said.

“Over the past five years, copyright revenue has increased by almost 112%, up from $36.2m in 2000-01 to $76.7m in the 2004-05 financial year. This is an important source of income for Australian creators.”

CAL also reported its expenditure to revenue ratio had decreased from 15.3% in 2003-04 to 14.2% in 2004-05, meaning that 85.8c in each dollar earned was for payment to members.

Brian Johns, CAL 's Chair, commended the efforts of CAL staff in delivering another year of double digit growth and referred to the challenges emerging in the rapidly changing external environment.

“CAL 's traditional areas are under pressure at the same time as CAL continues its substantial growth in copying revenue,” Mr Johns said.

“CAL 's members have a continuing financial interest, and entitlement to, the traditional benefits of copyright whatever the delivery system of their content – digital or otherwise.

“So while the tools of copying and access may change from paper to digital, the principles of copyright remain firm – encouraging creativity.

“For copyright owners to have an incentive to create and communicate they must have the opportunity to be rewarded for their effort and have the integrity of their works protected,” said Mr Johns.

Media contact

Chris Perkins
Manager Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9394 7630
Mobile: 0400 313 933

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