Back in May, I mentioned the three major Performing Rights Organization, also known as PROs. They are, ASCAP or American Society of Composers, Artist, and Publishers. BMI or Broadcast Music Incorporated. And SESAC or Society of European Stage Authors and Composers. If you are an artist and you write your own songs, it's a good idea to join one of these.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers or ASCAP was founded on February 14th in New York City. The organization was formed by a group of prominent music visionaries at the Claridge Hotel. Their first office was in the Fulton Theater Building. Dues were $10 dollars for writers and $50 dollars for publishers. Some of ASCAP's earliest members were, Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa, Jerome Kern, and Weldon Johnson. ASCAP was and continues to be 100% member own. ASCAP licenses Radio, TV and Film on behalf of it's members, whose music is uses as content. Radio is ASCAP most important source of income.
BMI or Broadcast Music Incorporated began in 1939 in Chicago when a group of radio industry leaders got together to charter a new non profit organization, as a recent ASCAP license agreement was about to expire. BMI was to be a less expensive alternative to ASCAP. Under BMI's charter with Radio, members agreed to pay the new entities operating and capital expenses with amounts of half to equal the amounts that were paid to ASCAP. Broadcasters quickly began to shift to BMI. By 1940 650 broadcasters and several music publishers had joined. BMI is credited with introducing the concept of logging, first with sheet music and live performances and then with on air personalities keeping track of music that is played on the air.
Formed in New York in 1930, SESAC or Society of European Stage Authors and Composers helped European publishers with collection of their American royalties. It also helped broadcasters meet their FCC requirements by supplying them with Gospel music from the ample catalog. The company didn't sign a songwriter agreement till 1970, but it's continuing growth allowed the company to establish itself as a force in the Nashville scene. The SESAC catalog now includes music from all genres. In the 1990s, SESAC began using cutting edge technology to detect performances and here in the 21st century, they have turned their focus toward music in film and television.
These organizations work on behave of their members to insure that they are rightfully compensated for their efforts. Joining one them is strongly recommended, especially if you write and/or record your own music. And, they can provide you with useful services and give you a higher profile, depending on how hard you work your catalog.
