Today marks 90 years since TONO was founded. The organization has been fighting for authors' rights and livelihoods since 1928. “We are proud to have managed the rights of music creators for 90 years, and look forward to continuing for at least another 90 years,” says Cato Strøm, CEO of TONO.
/ 27/11/2018 / Kristian DugstadToday marks 90 years since TONO was founded. The organization has been fighting for copyright holders' rights and livelihoods since 1928. “In 2017, TONO experienced its strongest financial growth ever, distributing NOK 565 million to copyright holders,” says CEO Cato Strøm.
Text: Kristian Dugstad
They wanted to be paid for their hard work, those who started TONO 90 years ago today. Increased awareness of copyright and intellectual property was part of the times. Music took an increasingly larger place in society and generated greater income, and the creators naturally wanted their share too.
In 1928, the Norwegian Composers' Association initiated a membership organization to manage the economic rights of Norwegian composers. 90 years later, TONO represents 32,000 Norwegian members and 2,5 million authors from abroad in Norwegian territory.
– TONO is a collective management company for everyone who creates music. Our primary task is to manage the creators' music, both legally and financially. It is a task we are proud to have had for 90 years, and which we look forward to continuing for at least 90 more years, says Cato Strøm, CEO of TONO.
Read more about 90 years of TONO here
The name TONO was created by the organization's first chairman, composer Arne Eggen. "Norwegian Tone Poets" was shortened to NOTO, but the syllables were rearranged to TONO to get a better sound. In an interview with Dagbladet in 1953, he also added that "Tono is good Latin and means I ring, I make noise and make noise."
We think our organization has an apt name. TONO is a cooperative, owned and managed by its members. Every day, TONO manages the economic rights in the world's repertoire with one goal in mind: To ensure fair payment to those who make the music we all listen to. This way, music creators can continue to "sound, make noise and make noise" into the future.
In 1928, TONO had gross revenues of NOK 17,992.13. In 2017, the same figure was 661,321,235.
– It is impossible to put a price tag on the importance of music to humans. It shapes our lives, and creates experiences, memories and emotions. What is certain, however, is that creators need fair compensation for their work, in order to continue. The money music creators earn today helps finance the music we listen to in the future, says Cato Strøm.
TONO is marking the anniversary with a birthday party for employees and partners tonight. As part of the celebration, TONO's media award, the EDVARD award, will also be awarded. This award also has a special birthday, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Follow our social media channels tonight for information about the winners.