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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 81 views

What are the Three Main Performance Rights Organizations that Operate in the U.S.?

Introduction

Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) play a crucial role in the music industry, ensuring that songwriters and composers receive fair compensation for the public performance of their works. In the United States, there are three main PROs that operate: the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). In this article, we will delve into the history, structure, and functions of these three PROs, as well as their differences and similarities.

A. ASCAP: The First and Largest PRO in the U.S.

Founded in 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is the first and largest PRO in the United States. ASCAP was established by a group of composers, including Victor Herbert and John Philip Sousa, who sought to protect the rights of songwriters and composers. Today, ASCAP is one of the largest PROs in the world, with over 800,000 members and a vast repertoire of music.

ASCAP's primary function is to collect royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works. This includes performances in various settings, such as:

Radio and television broadcasts: ASCAP collects royalties from radio and TV stations for the use of its members' music in their programming.
Live performances: ASCAP collects royalties from concert venues, theaters, and other live performance spaces for the use of its members' music.
Streaming services: ASCAP collects royalties from streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, for the use of its members' music.

ASCAP also offers a range of services to its members, including:

Music licensing: ASCAP provides licenses for the use of its members' music in various settings.
Royalty collection: ASCAP collects royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works.
Music publishing: ASCAP offers music publishing services to its members, including songwriting, composition, and arrangement.

B. SESAC: The Second-Largest PRO in the U.S.

Founded in 1930, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) is the second-largest PRO in the United States. SESAC was established by a group of European composers, including George Gershwin and Jerome Kern, who sought to protect the rights of songwriters and composers. Today, SESAC is a leading PRO in the United States, with over 30,000 members and a diverse repertoire of music.

SESAC's primary function is to collect royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works. This includes performances in various settings, such as:

Radio and television broadcasts: SESAC collects royalties from radio and TV stations for the use of its members' music in their programming.
Live performances: SESAC collects royalties from concert venues, theaters, and other live performance spaces for the use of its members' music.
Streaming services: SESAC collects royalties from streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, for the use of its members' music.

SESAC also offers a range of services to its members, including:

Music licensing: SESAC provides licenses for the use of its members' music in various settings.
Royalty collection: SESAC collects royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works.
Music publishing: SESAC offers music publishing services to its members, including songwriting, composition, and arrangement.

C. BMI: The Third-Largest PRO in the U.S.

Founded in 1940, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is the third-largest PRO in the United States. BMI was established by a group of music publishers, including Ralph Peer and Don Law, who sought to protect the rights of songwriters and composers. Today, BMI is a leading PRO in the United States, with over 1 million members and a vast repertoire of music.

BMI's primary function is to collect royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works. This includes performances in various settings, such as:

Radio and television broadcasts: BMI collects royalties from radio and TV stations for the use of its members' music in their programming.
Live performances: BMI collects royalties from concert venues, theaters, and other live performance spaces for the use of its members' music.
Streaming services: BMI collects royalties from streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, for the use of its members' music.

BMI also offers a range of services to its members, including:

Music licensing: BMI provides licenses for the use of its members' music in various settings.
Royalty collection: BMI collects royalties on behalf of its members for the public performance of their works.
Music publishing: BMI offers music publishing services to its members, including songwriting, composition, and arrangement.

Comparison of ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI

While all three PROs share similar functions and services, there are some key differences between them. Here are a few:

Membership: ASCAP has the largest membership base, with over 800,000 members. SESAC has a smaller membership base, with over 30,000 members. BMI has the largest number of members, with over 1 million members.
Repertoire: ASCAP has a vast repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. SESAC has a diverse repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. BMI has a vast repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music.
Licensing: ASCAP and BMI offer licenses for the use of their members' music in various settings. SESAC also offers licenses, but with a more limited scope.
Royalty collection: All three PROs collect royalties on behalf of their members for the public performance of their works. However, the rates and structures of these royalties can vary between the three organizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three main Performance Rights Organizations that operate in the U.S. are ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI. Each organization has its own unique history, structure, and functions, as well as its own strengths and weaknesses. While all three organizations share similar goals and objectives, there are some key differences between them. By understanding these differences, songwriters, composers, and music publishers can make informed decisions about which PRO to join and how to navigate the complex world of music licensing and royalty collection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)

Introduction

Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) play a crucial role in the music industry, ensuring that songwriters and composers receive fair compensation for the public performance of their works. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about PROs, including their history, structure, and functions, as well as their differences and similarities.

Q: What is a Performance Rights Organization (PRO)?

A: A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is a non-profit organization that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and composers for the public performance of their works. PROs ensure that songwriters and composers receive fair compensation for the use of their music in various settings, such as radio and television broadcasts, live performances, and streaming services.

Q: What are the three main Performance Rights Organizations that operate in the U.S.?

A: The three main Performance Rights Organizations that operate in the U.S. are:

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): Founded in 1914, ASCAP is the first and largest PRO in the United States.
SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers): Founded in 1930, SESAC is the second-largest PRO in the United States.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): Founded in 1940, BMI is the third-largest PRO in the United States.

Q: What is the difference between ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI?

A: While all three PROs share similar functions and services, there are some key differences between them. Here are a few:

Membership: ASCAP has the largest membership base, with over 800,000 members. SESAC has a smaller membership base, with over 30,000 members. BMI has the largest number of members, with over 1 million members.
Repertoire: ASCAP has a vast repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. SESAC has a diverse repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music. BMI has a vast repertoire of music, including classical, jazz, and popular music.
Licensing: ASCAP and BMI offer licenses for the use of their members' music in various settings. SESAC also offers licenses, but with a more limited scope.
Royalty collection: All three PROs collect royalties on behalf of their members for the public performance of their works. However, the rates and structures of these royalties can vary between the three organizations.

Q: How do PROs collect royalties?

A: PROs collect royalties on behalf of their members for the public performance of their works. This includes performances in various settings, such as:

Radio and television broadcasts: PROs collect royalties from radio and TV stations for the use of their members' music in their programming.
Live performances: PROs collect royalties from concert venues, theaters, and other live performance spaces for the use of their members' music.
Streaming services: PROs collect royalties from streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, for the use of their members' music.

Q: How do I join a PRO?

A: To join a PRO, you will need to submit an application and provide documentation of your songwriting or composition credits. You will also need to pay a membership fee, which varies depending on the PRO.

Q: What are the benefits of joining a PRO?

A: The benefits of joining a PRO include:

Royalty collection: PROs collect royalties on behalf of their members for the public performance of their works.
Music licensing: PROs offer licenses for the use of their members' music in various settings.
Music publishing: PROs offer music publishing services to their members, including songwriting, composition, and arrangement.
Networking opportunities: PROs provide opportunities for songwriters and composers to connect with other industry professionals.

Q: How do I report my music usage to a PRO?

A: To report your music usage to a PRO, you will need to submit a report of your music usage, including the date, time, and location of the performance, as well as the type of music used. You will also need to provide documentation of your music usage, such as contracts or invoices.

Q: What are the rates and structures of royalties collected by PROs?

A: The rates and structures of royalties collected by PROs vary depending on the organization and the type of music used. Generally, PROs collect royalties based on a percentage of the revenue generated by the performance of the music.

Q: Can I join multiple PROs?

A: Yes, you can join multiple PROs. However, you will need to submit separate applications and pay separate membership fees for each organization.

Q: What are the consequences of not joining a PRO?

A: If you do not join a PRO, you will not receive royalties for the public performance of your works. This can result in lost revenue and a lack of recognition for your work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) play a crucial role in the music industry, ensuring that songwriters and composers receive fair compensation for the public performance of their works. By understanding the history, structure, and functions of PROs, as well as their differences and similarities, you can make informed decisions about which PRO to join and how to navigate the complex world of music licensing and royalty collection.