music publishing

AMPAL Tells Productivity Commission: Licensing Over Exceptions   

The Australasian Music Publishers’ Association Limited (AMPAL) has submitted a response to the Productivity Commission's interim report on data and digital technology, advocating against a proposed text and data mining (TDM) exception for copyrighted works.  

Our Board members have spoken out on the devastating impact this TDM exception would have on Australian music publishers, songwriters and our cultural exports.  

From AC/DC and INXS, through to Sia and Tame Impala, Australia’s songwriters and composers are some of our proudest and most powerful cultural exports. Music publishing is the business that supports them. 

A blanket TDM exception would weaken that system, deter investment and hand enormous value to companies who give nothing back.  It also lacks the nuance, creativity and agility that only an industry-led licensing solution can yield.  

Licensing is the proven way forward. It encourages innovation, ensures fairness and keeps Australia in step with international best practice.  

We urge the Commission to reject a TDM exception and support a licensing-based approach that works for both the tech and creative sectors. 

Read AMPAL submission here. 

MEMBER EVENT: Barry Massarsky in Conversation with AMPAL

AMPAL Members are invited to an exclusive inside look at the future of music rights with Barry Massarsky - one of the world’s leading music copyright economists and catalogue valuers.

AMPAL CEO, Damian Rinaldi said: "It’s truly an honour to welcome Barry Massarsky to share his invaluable insights with the AMPAL Board and Members. Barry’s experience in the world of music rights is second to none, and it’s a privilege to hear directly from someone who has helped shape how music is valued globally. Opportunities like this, to gain direct access to one of the best in the business, are rare. We’re looking forward to a rich and insightful discussion that will help strengthen and grow music publishing across Australasia."

Barry Massarsky is a partner and co-leader of the Music and Entertainment Valuation Services Practice of US-based professional services firm Citrin Cooperman. He has over 30 years of experience acting as a key advisor in the music industry serving the valuation interests of music publishing and recording label firms.

He provides strategic counsel to owners of music copyrights, as well as valuation, litigation economics, and performance income review. Barry is known for his high value relationships with performance rights organisations, music publishers, record companies, music industry trade organisations, and music litigation firms.

Barry has pioneered the field of music copyright economics serving revenue-related interests within the U.S. music industry, facilitating strategic opportunities for advancing royalty income, and inspiring new license regimes. His experience also extends to the music production library marketplace where he has led many performing rights initiatives on behalf of both its trade organisation and individual market leaders. Barry has worked with commercial lenders, private equity, and other financial investors who are acquiring music asset rights. Previously, Barry was the founder of Massarsky Consulting, a leading copyright economics consultancy, which joined Citrin Cooperman in 2022. Prior to founding Massarsky Consulting, Barry was a Senior Economist at American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Barry has lectured extensively on music industry topics at educational institutions and industry seminars, is cited frequently in major news publications and industry journals and is the author of "Operating Dynamics Behind ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, the Performing Rights Societies," which appeared in the Journal of Interactive Multimedia Association in conjunction with the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Barry is regularly quoted by the press regarding music industry matters including New York Times, The Hill, Today Show, Forbes, Billboard, etc.

The AMPAL Member-Only Special Event: Barry Massarsky in Conversation with AMPAL will take place on Monday, 12 May 2025, from 12:00PM to 1:00PM (AEST), virtually via Teams.

Barry will be interviewed by AMPAL CEO, Damian Rinaldi, alongside members of the AMPAL Board.

Together, they will explore:

  • The evolving valuation landscape for music rights,

  • Market multiples and what they mean for publishing sources,

  • Global investor trends shaping the industry, and

  • The future of music rights in a rapidly shifting economic and licensing environment.

Barry will also share expert insights into the U.S. performance rights organisation (PRO) market - essential knowledge for publishers managing international revenue streams.

AMPAL members are warmly encouraged to RSVP here to secure their place.