FPRA - Fiji Performing Right Association Limited

	FPRA mourns the passing of Timoci Qesanavatu Late last week retired FPRA Director and well known composer Ratu Timoci Qesanavatu passed away quietly at his home at the age of 74. Timoci (Jim) had served on the FPRA Board between 2001 and 2007, during which time the association underwent a number of progressive changes. Jim will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. The FPRA Board extends its deepest sympathies and best wishes to his family at this time.
	Song Summit 2010 Following the success of the inaugural Song Summit in 2008, APRA\|AMCOS and NSW Government through Events NSW are proud to present Song Summit 2010 as part of Vivid Sydney. Gathering together the full spectrum of the music industry including local and international songwriters and music industry experts; Song Summit 2010 will span all facets of the music life-cycle. Visit www.songsummit.com.au for more information.
	Know anyone with Musical talent? Pacific Break is a competition searching for the best original unsigned musical talent in the Pacific. Entry is easy - just send in your original work on MP3, CD or tape and fill out the entry form, by 1st September 2010. Forms are available at the Australian High Commission. Every week on Radio Australia the best entries will be showcased. The winning entry will be announced in September and will play at Fest’napuan in October 2010. More information available at: www.abc.net.au/ra/pacificbreak/
	Australasian World Music Expo - 18 - 21 November 2010 ARTIST SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL MONDAY 31 MAY 2010. Three days of the finest traditional and contemporary Indigenous, roots and world music from Australia, Asia, the Pacific and beyond! Now in its third year the Australasian World Music Expo (AWME) provides artists the unique opportunity to perform to and network with music industry delegates from Europe, North America, Australia and the Asia Pacific region. By day, AWME is a trade fair, which attracts prominent and influential festival bookers, talent agents, record labels and media for workshops, panel discussions and industry networking. By night, AWME transforms a variety of Melbourne venues into a festival showcase in which delegates and music fans rub shoulders and sample some of the most exciting roots music the planet has to offer. Featuring more than 50 artists and attracting national and international representatives, AWME aims to raise the profile and commercial opportunities for contemporary and traditional roots/world music groups from Australia, the Pacific and beyond. Please refer to the website for further information, criteria and details regarding the application process. www.awme.com.au
	Fijian composers to share in $200,000 royalty distribution from FPRA In a tough year, FPRA has again maintained a record level of payments to members, equalling the milestone achieved in 2007. Read the full press release »
	FPRA reaches agreement with FBCL Fiji Performing Right Association (FPRA) and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited (FBCL) have now concluded a licence agreement that will pave the way for the continued payment of broadcast royalties to songwriters whose works are played by the national broadcaster. Read the full press release »
	Top Fiji Composer gives guest lecture on copyright A lecture on copyright was music to the ears of students in the Ethics, Values and Governance course at Raiwai Campus recently. Popular Fiji composer Laisa Vulakoro spoke to students about her life as a musician and the importance of protecting the rights of performers and recording artists. Read more (pdf) »
	LOCAL SONGWRITERS TO SHARE IN $200,000 ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION The Fiji Performing Right Association (FPRA) advised their local songwriter members today that the copyright collecting society has been able to maintain a record royalty payout level for members in spite of tough economic circumstances.... Read more »
	New Radio Station Agrees to Pay Royalties to FPRA for the Benefit of Local Songwriters Fiji’s newest local broadcaster Bula Namaste FM has signed a licence agreement that will remunerate songwriters and composers whose works feature on the stations play list… Read more »
	AFP busts international music piracy ring The Fiji Performing Right Association Limited (FPRA) has welcomed the recent action undertaken by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australia’s Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI) to bust an international music piracy ring operating from Sydney. Read more »
	FPRA DELIVERS DOUBLE FIGURE GROWTH IN ANNUAL ROYALTY INCOME FOR LOCAL SONGWRITERS Members of the Fiji Performing Right Association (FPRA) heard today that their local copyright collecting society achieved a 16% growth in annual revenue for the 12 months ending 30 June 2007. The result means that local songwriters will now share in a royalty distribution of $200,000 early in the new year. Read full details>>
	FPRA DISTRIBUTES RECORD ROYALTY PAYMENT TO MEMBERS Members of the Fiji Performing Right Association (FPRA) will today receive payment of copyright royalties for the 12 months ending 30 June 2006. The 2006 royalty distribution of $189,000 represents an increase of 14% on the 2005 distribution paid to members earlier this year. Read the full press release (pdf) >>
	Music is a viable career path Since its establishment in 1992, the Fiji Performing Rights Association has been battling for the rights of musicians. It has been an up-hill battle in light of the rampant piracy here... Read the full article from the Fiji Times Online >>
	PIRACY CONTINUES TO THRIVE AT THE EXPENSE OF FIJI'S CREATIVE ARTISTS FPRA Chairman Eremasi Tamanisau Jr states that "by not taking proactive measures to address piracy, society in general will suffer as there is no incentive for Fiji's songwriters and composers to invest their time and money in creating new works if they will not receive adequate protection in accordance with our local legislation." Read the full press release (pdf) >>