Empowering Creators: IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam’s Vision for the Digital Age
In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, Rakesh Nigam, CEO of the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) throws some the remarkable growth in royalty distribution income, the transformative impact of licensing deals with major digital platforms, and the organization's vision for empowering music creators in South Asia. Nigam also highlights the importance of strong copyright management in the evolving digital landscape.
IPRS has seen significant growth in royalty distribution income. What factors do you attribute to this growth, and how do you plan to sustain it in the future?
The significant growth in royalty distribution income is a result of several factors. Increased digital consumption of music, successful licensing agreements with major platforms, and our persistent efforts to expand our membership base have all contributed to this growth. To sustain this momentum, we plan to continue expanding our licensing deals, enhance our data analytics capabilities to ensure accurate royalty tracking and invest in technology to streamline our operations. We also aim to provide more educational resources to our members to help them maximize their earnings.
The licensing deals with major OTT platforms like YouTube, Meta, and Spotify have been a major milestone for IPRS. How do you see these partnerships evolving in the future, and what new opportunities do they present for IPRS members?
Our partnerships with major DSPs and OTT platforms like YouTube, Meta, Spotify, Apple, and Airtel Wynk have been transformative for IPRS and its members. These collaborations have not only increased royalty income but also provided global exposure to Indian music creators. In the future, we anticipate these partnerships to deepen, with more tailored licensing agreements that reflect the evolving digital landscape. New opportunities include increased monetization options, access to detailed consumption data, and potential collaborations with international artists and creators. These partnerships will also allow us to better protect and enforce the rights of our members on a global scale.
Your participation in the WIPO Mentorship Programme in Bangladesh highlights the importance of strong copyright management in South Asia. Can you share some insights from the event and how IPRS plans to contribute to the region's IP rights landscape?
The WIPO Mentorship Programme in Bangladesh was a valuable experience that underscored the critical need for robust copyright management across South Asia. Key insights include the importance of regional collaboration, the need for education and awareness about intellectual property rights, and the potential for technological solutions to streamline rights management. IPRS plans to contribute by sharing best practices, offering training programs, and collaborating with regional bodies to strengthen the IP infrastructure. We also aim to support local creators by providing resources and platforms to help them navigate the complexities of copyright law.
How does IPRS envision empowering South Asian music creators, and what initiatives are you undertaking to support them in the rapidly evolving digital landscape?
Empowering South Asian music creators is a core mission for IPRS. We envision providing comprehensive support through education, technology, and advocacy. Our initiatives include offering workshops and training programs on copyright law and digital distribution, developing user-friendly tools for rights management, and advocating for fair remuneration in policy discussions. Additionally, we are working on creating partnerships with digital platforms to ensure that our members receive equitable compensation for their work. By equipping creators with the knowledge and tools they need, we aim to help them thrive in the digital age.
Looking ahead, what are IPRS's future plans for expanding its reach and impact in the region, and how do you see the organization evolving?
Looking ahead, IPRS aims to expand its reach and impact through strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and member-focused initiatives. We plan to extend our licensing agreements to new digital and traditional platforms, enhance our data capabilities for more accurate royalty distribution, and increase our membership base by reaching out to emerging artists and composers. We also envision a more prominent role in regional and global discussions on intellectual property rights. By continually evolving and adapting to industry changes, IPRS aims to remain a leading advocate and support system for music creators in South Asia and beyond.