Australian Recording Industry Association

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is a trade association representing the Australian recording industry which was established in the 1970s by six major record companies: EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal, replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers (AARM) which was formed in 1956. It oversees the collection, administration and distribution of music licences and royalties. The association has more than 190 members, including small labels typically run by one to five people, medium-size organisations and very large companies with international affiliates. ARIA is administered by a board of directors comprising senior executives from record companies, both large and small.