What Is a Performing Rights Organization?
A Performing Rights Organization (PRO for short) is a company whose sole purpose is to collect its member’s royalties. These members consist of artists, composers, producers, publishers, etc. Once the royalties are collected, the PRO takes their fee and then sends the remaining amount to its members.
What Is ASCAP? Who Are They?
ASCAP stands for “American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers”. It’s a performing rights organization that contains over 700,000 members throughout the United States. ASCAP was created in 1914 by a group of writers/composers and, to this day, is still operated by its own members. In fact, it’s the only PRO in the US that is run by its members, and board members are elected from within. ASCAP’s primary goal is to make sure its members are compensated for the use of their creations (MUSIC in our case).
What Is BMI & Who Are They?
Broadcast Music Inc, also known as BMI, started in 1939 as a competitor and alternative to other performing rights organizations. BMI has over 500,000 members within its organization and is continuing to grow. Like other PROs, BMI collects royalties, takes a small percentage, and sends the rest to the member(s).
What is Not a PRO?
PROs are not Publishers, record labels, sync licensing companies, and they can’t copyright your work for you. A PRO doesn’t own your songs, they just collect royalties for songs you own. You need an ISRC number.
