More correct distribution to rights holders
Gramo has established a new and more precise way to distribute royalties from the use of recorded music in public places (shops, cafes, restaurants, gyms, etc.). The new distribution model more closely reflects the music that is actually used by our more than 16,000 corporate customers, and thus also provides a more correct distribution of royalties to our rights holders.
Comprehensive survey on music sources
As part of our work on continuously improving the distribution of remuneration, Gramo, together with TONO, conducted an extensive survey last fall of which music sources are actually in use by our corporate customers.
The main findings of the survey show, among other things:
- 60% use streaming services as their main source of recorded music
- Spotify is by far the most used streaming service
- Large chains in retail, catering, hotels and training often use professional music providers, such as Liveqube and Soundtrack.
- 35% cite radio as their primary source of recorded music
- P4, NRK P1 and Radio Norge are the most used radio channels
Better data basis provides more correct distribution
Based on the survey, Gramo has entered into agreements with music providers Liveqube and Soundtrack Your Brand, which give us access to multiple data sources and a larger and more detailed data base. We also receive playtime data from streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer and from all Norwegian radio channels.
The comprehensive datasets enable us to link repertoire, playing times, revenues and rights information in a more accurate way, which in turn means that our rights holders receive a more correct and transparent distribution of remuneration from Gramo.
– It is encouraging to see that music from lesser-known artists that we use is being distributed properly. Now we must stand together to ensure that only licensed streaming services are used in public spaces – for fair distribution without AI-generated music, says Sigbjørn Grimsæth, CEO of Liveqube.
Full control with automatic content recognition
Norwegian radio stations have for many years sent detailed airtime reports to Gramo, which we use as a basis for the distribution of collected royalties. Last year, Gramo also invested in systems for automatic content recognition (“ACR”), which monitor all use of recorded music on radio and TV – both in Norway and abroad. The system uses advanced audio technology to identify music – in real time – and gives us a significantly better data basis for both the collection and distribution of royalties to our rights holders.
NOK 103.6 million paid out in March
On March 18, we paid out NOK 103.6 million to producers and performers, based on 209,589 unique recordings and processing of 210,1515 hours of music. The payment is for the use of recorded music on national radio and in public places.
– With the new distribution model, we are taking an important step towards more precise distribution of remuneration. When we know more about what music is actually played by our corporate customers, we can also ensure that the money ends up with the right rights holders, says Kim S. Andersen, CEO of Gramo
Other current affairs
Gramo's annual meeting: solid results and important decisions for the future
Gramo's annual meeting was held on June 2, 2026 in the new premises at Kongens gate 12. It was also possible to participate digitally. The annual meeting brought together members from both the performer and producer groups, and discussed, among other things, the annual accounts, transparency report, elections and central principles for Gramo's activities.
Read moreGramo's annual meeting: solid results and important decisions for the future
Gramo asks the Storting to protect the compulsory licensing system in Section 21 of the Copyright Act.
On Monday, June 8, 2026, Gramo was at a hearing in the Storting's Family and Culture Committee on Prop. 41 LS.
Read moreGramo asks the Storting to protect the compulsory licensing system in Section 21 of the Copyright Act.
Astrid S tops the radio statistics for 2025
Astrid S was the most played lead artist on Norwegian radio in 2025, with 1,938 hours of playing time spread across 56 recordings. Behind her are a number of international names on the top list; Alex Warren, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter.
Read more
