On Monday 29 September, TONO distributes NOK 206.2 million to rights holders in Norway and abroad. The payment also marks the launch of a new and more accurate distribution model, which has now been implemented in most areas.
/ 29/09/2025 / Willy MartinsenOf the total amount, NOK 119.2 million goes to TONO’s members, NOK 83 million goes to sister societies abroad, and NOK 3.9 million is reserved for unidentified or disputed rights.
This year’s autumn distribution is lower than last year’s record-high NOK 238 million. The decline from last year, which amounts to 13.5 percent, is due to the transition to the new distribution model. As a result, a large share of revenues from background music, which normally would have been distributed this September, will instead be paid out in 2026. TONO also awaits delayed payments from Germany and France, where the delays are caused by tax-related issues in those countries.
The September distribution is the first under TONO’s new distribution model. The model follows the requirements of the Collective Rights Management Act and means that different types of music use – such as concerts, radio, TV, and background music – are, as far as technically possible, distributed separately, based on their own revenues and data sources. The aim is to provide more accurate and fair distributions to those who create and own the music.
The model was adopted by TONO’s Board in 2024 and was originally planned to be phased in gradually until 2028. However, following a legal review and a new technical assessment, the Board decided to accelerate the process. The changes therefore take effect as of the September 2025 distribution in all areas where technically possible. Remaining areas will be included as soon as possible. TONO’s members have today received a distribution letter describing the changes in more detail.
Among the largest areas in this autumn distribution are concerts (NOK 50.8 million to TONO’s members, down from NOK 77.6 million last year), music streaming (NOK 29.9 million to members, up from NOK 19.6 million last year), as well as distributions from TV and radio.
With the introduction of the new model, different types of music use – such as concerts, radio, TV, and streaming – are, as far as possible, distributed separately, based on their own revenues and data sources, and without transfers from background music and undistributed funds, as previously. This also means that arrangements such as subsidised pools and the premiere performance scheme have been discontinued, and that TONO no longer supplements the compensation from the Ministry of Culture for performances in church services.
Among TONO’s members receiving payments this time are 5,285 women, 21,548 men, and 262 of unknown gender (including deceased members, pseudonyms, and members without complete registration).
For member enquiries, please contact TONO’s Member Service at medlem@tono.noor +47 22 05 72 80.
Willy Martinsen, Director of Communications, TONO
willy.martinsen@tono.no, mobile +47 909 65 254