What is the GEMA's income used for?

GEMA distributes all revenue, after deduction of administrative costs, to eligible domestic music authors and, via sister organisations, to foreign music authors. Revenue from rights under Section 30 of the VGG that cannot be distributed – such as amounts below the distribution threshold or royalties that cannot be allocated – is set aside for social and cultural purposes in accordance with Section 30 of the Distribution Plan (as adopted by the 2016 General Meeting). We also use these funds to support cultural initiatives. Incidentally, we do not make a profit – this is prohibited under our Articles of Association. As a collecting society, we operate exclusively in the interests of our members.