(Oslo, June 21, 2013) Bendik Hofseth has been elected as the new chairman of TONO, thus taking over one of the most important roles in music Norway after composer Ragnar Bjerkreim.
/ 21/06/2013 / codexTONO is a non-profit rights and management organization owned and governed by composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. Hofset was nominated by the election committee for the position of new chairman, and the formal election was made by the board on June 18. Hofset is not only a renowned musician and author, with a long list of critically acclaimed releases behind him (see for more info). He also has extensive political and organizational leadership experience. He has been a board member of TONO for several periods, including the last four years. In addition, he has been a leader in Phonofile, NOPA (Norwegian Association of Composers and Lyricists), the World Organization of Composers (CIAM), and chairman of the board for the development of an international music registry under the auspices of the UN, as well as vice chairman of the World Organization of Copyright Organizations (CISAC). He is also a professor of music at the University of Agder.
TONO CEO Cato Strøm looks forward to the collaboration with Hofseth:
Hofseth will lead a new board, formally elected at TONO's annual meeting on May 30.
Norwegian Association of Composers and Lyricists (NOPA): Ragnar Bjerkreim (1 year) and Bjørn Eidsvåg (2 years)Norwegian Composers' Association (NKF): Åse Hedstrøm (2 years) and Bjørn Bolstad Skjelbred (1 year)Norwegian Music Publishers' Association (NMFF): Philip Kruse (2 years) and Unni Boretti (1 year)Vacant positions: Bendik Hofseth (NOPA, 2 years), Rita Engedalen (1 year) and Ine Kristine Hoem (2 years)Employee representatives: Håvard Offer-Ohlsen and Torunn Elstein
In 2012, TONO experienced its best year ever with revenues totaling NOK 436 million, an increase of 6 percent from 2011. With a low operating and cost percentage of 14,54%, TONO was able to distribute 6 percent more to rights holders than in 2011. Within online (mainly streaming), TONO's revenues increased by 130 percent – from NOK 22 million in 2011 to NOK 50 million in 2012.
Willy Martinsen, communications manager at TONO, mobile 909 65 254, email: