PROs
A performing rights organization (PRO) monitors public performances, broadcast or live, and collects license fees on behalf of member songwriters, composers, and music publishers, from businesses and others who use music, and distributes them as royalties to its members whose works have been performed.
While there are 4 U.S. PRO’s, BMI and ASCAP collect and distribute the majority of royalties:
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is the largest music rights organization in the U.S. It is a non-profit membership organization that supports songwriters, composers and publishers by collecting and distributing royalties and supports clients who play music publicly by offering blanket music licenses. Their website, https://www.bmi.com/ is a rich source of information and education for both music creators and music users.
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is the only U.S. PRO that is owned and governed by its members. Their mission is to uphold the value of members’ music including advocating in Congress for policies that benefit creators, businesses and consumers alike. Their website is a rich source of information and education for both music creators and music users.
SESAC, originally the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, is an invitation-only, private company representing songwriters, composers and music publishers. Although the smallest of the PRO’s operating in the U.S. they tout their size as their largest advantage, priding themselves on developing individual relationships with both songwriters and publishers. Their website resources are available only to members.
Global Music Rights (GMR) provides custom, personalized services to a select, invitation-only, high-profile client base. With their world-wide partnerships with foreign PRO’s and limited client list they can dedicate their resources to monitoring international royalty administration and collection.
Other entities:
SoundExchange is a non-profit collective rights management organization. They are the only organization designated by the U.S. Congress to collect and distribute digital performance royalties for sound recordings on behalf of recording artists and master rights owners. They also are an advocate for music licensing reform. Their website provides information for both artists and copyright owners as well as service providers.
The United States Copyright Office, a part of the Library of Congress, is the official U.S. government body administering the nation’s copyright laws and providing impartial expert advice on copyright law and policy for the benefit of all. The Office provides online services relating to registering and recording.
