RAAP Company Profile

Background

Recorded Artists Actors Performers (RAAP) is a not-for-profit organization established in Ireland in 2001. Its core mission is to ensure that musicians, actors, and other performers receive fair compensation when their recorded performances are publicly used. RAAP represents both featured and non-featured performers—including main artists, session musicians, and actors—who are entitled to payment when a sound recording or audiovisual work they have contributed to is communicated to the public, whether in Ireland or abroad.

Key Strategic Focus

RAAP's strategic focus includes:

Royalty Collection and Distribution: Collecting and distributing royalties generated from the broadcast, public performance, and cable transmission of recorded performances. In 2021, the company collected and distributed over €5.7 million to 38,000 performers, paying more than €4.6 million of that total to RAAP members.

International Representation: Signing reciprocal agreements with over 55 territories worldwide to collect royalties for members internationally and ensure fair representation across global markets.

Advocacy and Governance: Participating in global rights networks, including SCAPR and AEPO-ARTIS, and advocating for performers’ rights through international forums and partnerships. RAAP operates under EU and WIPO frameworks to ensure compliance and cooperation across jurisdictions.

Financials and Funding

As a not-for-profit organization, RAAP's funding primarily comes from the royalties it collects and distributes. In 2021, the company collected and distributed over €5.7 million to 38,000 performers, paying more than €4.6 million of that total to RAAP members.

Pipeline Development

RAAP's pipeline development focuses on expanding its international representation and enhancing its royalty collection and distribution capabilities. The company has signed reciprocal agreements with over 55 territories worldwide, allowing it to collect royalties for members internationally and ensure fair representation across global markets.

Technological Platform and Innovation

RAAP employs various technological platforms to manage royalty collection and distribution efficiently. While specific proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies are not detailed in the available information, RAAP's participation in global rights networks and adherence to international frameworks suggest a commitment to utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies to support its operations.

Leadership Team

RAAP is governed by a board that includes performer representatives, ensuring that decision-making remains transparent, accountable, and in the best interest of its members. The board is currently chaired by Kieran Goss, a renowned Irish songwriter and performer, who has been a director and member of RAAP since its formation in 2001.

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for performance royalties is influenced by the increasing consumption of recorded music and audiovisual works across various platforms, including streaming services, radio, and television. As digital platforms proliferate, the complexity of tracking and collecting royalties has increased, creating opportunities for organizations like RAAP to provide essential services to performers.

Competitor Analysis

RAAP operates in a niche market with few direct competitors. However, other organizations involved in similar activities include:

PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited): A UK-based organization that licenses recorded music played in public and broadcasts, ensuring that performers and record companies receive royalties.

PRS for Music: Also based in the UK, PRS for Music collects and distributes royalties for songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

These organizations share similar objectives but operate in different jurisdictions and may have varying scopes of representation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

RAAP has signed reciprocal agreements with over 55 territories worldwide, allowing it to collect royalties for members internationally and ensure fair representation across global markets.

Operational Insights

RAAP's operational strategy focuses on expanding its international representation and enhancing its royalty collection and distribution capabilities. By signing reciprocal agreements with numerous territories, RAAP ensures that performers receive fair compensation for the use of their recorded performances worldwide.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

RAAP's strategic roadmap includes:

Expanding International Representation: Continuing to sign reciprocal agreements with additional territories to broaden its global reach and ensure fair compensation for performers worldwide.

Enhancing Technological Capabilities: Investing in advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of royalty collection and distribution processes.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Strengthening its role in global rights networks and international forums to advocate for performers' rights and influence policy developments affecting the music and entertainment industries.