Screenrights has declared a record distribution of $42.6 million to its members for the financial year 2024/25. This announcement comes alongside a significant increase in the use of screen content through the Australian Educational Licence, which has risen by 32% compared to the previous financial year.
In a statement, Board Chair Kim Dalton expressed pride in the organization’s achievements, emphasizing that the figures reflect the ongoing value of member content to educators and students. “We are proud to report another record year, but the significance goes beyond the numbers,” Dalton stated. “It demonstrates that our members’ content continues to be highly valued by users, such as school teachers and students who benefit from our licences.”
Growth in Educational Licensing
The increase in usage of the Australian Educational Licence highlights the vital role of copyright in supporting creators and rightsholders, ensuring fair compensation for their work. This year’s announcement also reinforces Screenrights’ commitment to exploring licensing solutions for Generative AI, modernizing the Australian Educational Licence to adapt to changes in broadcasting, and enhancing the reach of the New Zealand Educational Licence.
Dalton noted, “We appreciate the continued support of our members and stakeholders as we work through these important issues.”
During the Annual General Meeting held remotely on November 20, 2024, Screenrights reported a record year for licence collections, surpassing $50 million for the first time. The organization attributed $50.2 million in total licence revenue to the growth of Educational Licences in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, which have helped offset declines in Retransmission Licence income.
Future Goals and Board Elections
Chief Executive James Dickinson remarked on the sustained growth in educational licence collections. “While we work to grow the NZ educational licence for the mutual benefit of learners and creators, the growth in collections from the Australian educational licence is in line with CPI. We have known for some time now that the surging usage of the licence has not slowed,” he noted. Dickinson expressed the belief that it is equitable for licence fees to increase in recognition of this growth in value, indicating that discussions to renegotiate the licence will take place over the coming year.
The AGM also saw the announcement of the election results for the Screenrights Board. Three returning Directors were elected: Tom Alegounarias and Paul Wiegard will serve their second terms as General Directors, while Kelly Lefever will enter her third term as Authorial Director (Screenwriter).
In addition to financial achievements, Screenrights launched its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) toward the end of the last financial year, marking a significant step in its commitment to reconciliation initiatives.
These developments underscore Screenrights’ ongoing dedication to supporting its members while adapting to the evolving landscape of content usage and copyright in the educational sector.
