Payments made to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) amounted to almost $50 million in 2008. Two years later in 2010, it was only $28 million.
The numbers, published in the most recent tax returns, reveals that RIAA has been paying far less to law firms. Attorneys received $16.5 million in 2008, but only $2.4 million in 2010. According to heise.de, the practice of Holme, Robert and Owen was hit especially hard with payments declining from $9.4 million to just $788,000. The 113-year old law firm, which employs 50 lawyers, was recently forced to merge with another firm to contain costs.
RIAA's expenses for lobbying decreased from $6.8 million to $6.3 million from 2008 to 2010. The staff was reduced from 117 to 72 employees and cost for its employees was reduced from $9 million to about $6 million. However, nine second level executives received a salary increase to a total of $4.2 million, even if they are now required to work 50 hours per week, instead of just 40. Former CEO Mitch Bainwol received a salary of $1.9 million, down from $2.0 million.
