– We have a responsibility for more than just music 

– As a collective management organization for music creators, we have always been concerned with good conditions and fairness. Therefore, we also want to contribute to ensuring that not only our operations are good and ethically correct, but also that the suppliers we collaborate with, and the goods and services we purchase, operate ethically. It is fundamentally about respecting fundamental human rights and decent working conditions, says Ida Otterstad, legal advisor at TONO.

Will ensure transparency and a responsible business community

The Transparency Act is a Norwegian law that requires larger businesses to work to avoid and manage negative impacts, or consequences, on people and society. This means, among other things, that businesses must map the risk of human rights violations and poor working conditions – both in their own operations and at suppliers and partners. The law is intended to ensure transparency and contribute to responsible business.

– We manage the rights of tens of thousands of Norwegian and millions of international songwriters, composers and music publishers. This also means that we have a responsibility to act properly – not only towards our members, but towards society. We are not only working for a sustainable music life, but also for a more sustainable society, says Otterstad. 

What does that mean in practice? 

TONO has conducted a comprehensive survey of its suppliers to investigate the risk of violations of human rights and decent working conditions. This applies to suppliers of IT equipment, office furniture, consulting services and food, for example. 

“We have used a tool called Factlines, which helps us ask good questions of our suppliers and evaluate the answers. It gives us a better overview and the opportunity to follow up where needed,” says Otterstad. 

In this year's report, TONO can state that no serious deviations have been identified among suppliers. At the same time, the organization is working to further strengthen its routines. 

– Among other things, we have updated guidelines, introduced new requirements in our procurement and ensured that more and more suppliers sign our ethical guidelines. It is time-consuming work, but we believe it is both a correct and important priority, says Otterstad. 

Why do we care? 

– We want to be an organization with a backbone and a heart. Then we must also set standards for ourselves. It's about operating responsibly, and showing that we take ethics seriously, also in what happens behind the scenes, says Otterstad.

She emphasizes that work on the Transparency Act is in continuous development.  

– The most important thing is not just to have nice documents, but to use them in practice. In order to be able to map risks, it is absolutely crucial to have a close and good supplier dialogue. It is about asking: Where does this product come from? How have people been treated in the process? What imprint are we leaving on the world?  

do you want to know more? 

TONO's new report on the Transparency Act for 2024 has now been published. It provides insight into which measures have been implemented, how we map risks, and what plans we have going forward.

– We appreciate all input, and want to be at the forefront of responsible operations with sustainability and human rights as guiding principles, says Otterstad. 

You can find the report here! 

You can also contact us via the form on this page.