COLDPLAY RULED U.K. AIRWAVES IN 2016

Coldplay and Justin Timberlake were the most-played artists on U.K. radio, TV and in public places last year, according to music licensing firm PPL. News was revealed at the organisation’s AGM in London today, where chairman Peter Leathem praised its year-end financial results.

PPL revenue was up £15.1m to £212.1m last year as distributions to members rose 5% to £178.9m. The amount of labels and artists it reps grew 30% to 92k. Over the last five years, revenue collections have grown by 38.2%, or £58.6m, with the number of sound recordings doubling to more than 11m. International collections rose 32% on 2015 to £48.3m thanks to improved collaboration with overseas CMOs.

PPL recently entered into a deal with PRO PRS for Music to conduct joint public performance licensing. Suzanne Smith, who has history in financial services, has been appointed MD of the JV. PPL and PRS will continue to conduct the rest of their business in London, including broadcast licensing, international collections and member services.

Coldplay tops PPL’s 2016 Most Played Artist Chart, followed by Sony acts Adele, Olly Murs, Little Mix and Justin Timberlake. Over on top tracks, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” (RCA) by Timberlake is #1, “Lush Life” (Black Butter) by Zara Larsson is #2, “Cake by the Ocean” (Island) from DNCE is #3, “This is What You Came For” (Columbia) byCalvin Harris f/Rihanna is #4 and Lukas Graham hit “7 Years” (Warner Bros.) is #5. Check out the Top 10s here:

PPL 2016 Most Played Artist Chart
1.) Coldplay
2.) Adele
3.) Olly Murs
4.) Little Mix
5.) Justin Timberlake
6.) Ellie Goulding
7.) Justin Bieber
8.) Jess Glynne
9.) Calvin Harris
10.) Taylor Swift

PPL 2016 Most Played Track Chart
1.) "Can’t Stop The Feeling!" Justin Timberlake
2.) "Lush Life" Zara Larsson
3.) "Cake By The Ocean" Dnce
4.) "This Is What You Came For" Calvin Harris f/Rihanna
5.) "7 Years" Lukas Graham
6.) "Hymn For The Weekend" Coldplay (Parlophone)
7.) "Stitches" Shawn Mendes (Virgin EMI)
8.) "Love Yourself" Justin Bieber (Virgin EMI)
9.) "Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself" Jess Glynne (Atlantic)
10.) "Adventure Of A Lifetime" Coldplay (Parlophone)