Dear GVL rights holders
and other readers,
Reliability is not only demonstrated when conditions are stable. It becomes especially important where markets and usage habits are in flux. This applies particularly to today’s creative and cultural sectors. It is precisely in this highly dynamic environment that GVL works on behalf of performers and
music companies.
One thing remains certain – music, films and TV series shape the everyday lives of many people. They create atmosphere, foster connections
and bring cultural diversity to life. This special value of creative work also has great economic significance. Valuing it in monetary terms should go without saying – but for that value to actually reach those behind it, we need fair tariffs, accurate data and people who take responsibility.
This is at the heart of our work – effectively managing neighbouring rights and reliably distributing remuneration, while making theprocess as straightforward as possible for rights holders and users.
A sound financial basis for predictable distributions
In 2025, GVL was once again able to continue this work from a position of strength: in the past financial year, revenue stood at 258 million euros, slightly above the previous year’s level, whilst costs were reduced. As a result, new record levels were achieved in some areas of the regular distributions during the reporting year. In a market environment that is undergoing noticeable change, this is a welcome result.
For our rights holders, this means one thing above all: distributions they can count on, and a GVL that consistently safeguards their rights even under challenging conditions.
AI as a challenge and tool
With the rise of generative AI, a key question is becoming ever more pressing for many creatives and their industry partners – how can they continue to benefit from the use of their work in the future?
Increasingly, artistic work is being used to train or power AI systems without appropriate remuneration. We are therefore fighting side by side with our rights holders to ensure that creative work remains protected – and monetised – even in the age of AI.
At the same time, within GVL we are engaging intensively with the practical possibilities of AI. This is not about technology for its own sake, but about supporting our staff in their day-to-day work and further improving the services we offer our rights holders. After all, the higher the quality of the data that can be processed, checked and utilised, and the more precisely processes are integrated, the sounder the basis on which we can prepare distributions, provide information and develop our services.
Responsibility for cultural diversity
For us, our mission does not end with the payment of remuneration. As part of the cultural sector, we aim to help promote diversity, shape change thoughtfully and ensure sustainable conditions for creative work. Our committees, which were newly elected during the reporting year, likewise represent this diversity.
How we are developing this commitment as an organisation is set out for the first time in our report “Sustainability at GVL”, to be published shortly.
A vibrant cultural landscape does not exist in a vacuum. It needs people who are able to work creatively, and structures that support this work. That, too, is what GVL stands for.
Responsibility for cultural diversity
For us, our remit does not end with the payout of remuneration. As part of the cultural sector, we want to help promote diversity, shape change prudently and ensure sustainable conditions for creative work. Our committees, which were newly elected during the reporting year, also reflected this diversity.
We are setting out for the first time how we are further developing this commitment as an organisation in the report “Sustainability at GVL”, which is due to be published in the coming days.
A vibrant cultural landscape does not exist in a vacuum. It needs people who can work creatively, and structures that support this work. This, too, is what GVL stands for.
Yours
Guido Evers & Tilo Gerlach
