A new coalition of music licensees, supported by their lobbyists in Washington, is attempting to disrupt the performing rights licensing system that organizations like ASCAP have put in place to ensure music creators are compensated fairly. This group, which includes a small yet vocal number of restaurants, bars, and other live music venues, has expressed concerns to Congress about the growing number of performing rights organizations (PROs) and the way these PROs handle royalty payouts.
Their goal is to challenge the entire PRO system and push for changes that would lead to businesses and venues underpaying songwriters and composers for the use of their work.
In response to a letter from Congress, the U.S. Copyright Office has issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to solicit public input on the effectiveness of PROs. This is an opportunity for music creators and copyright owners to share their views.
While the Copyright Office acknowledges the value that PROs provide and recognizes ASCAP’s efforts to enhance transparency and ensure fair payment for music creators, this NOI is the direct result of lobbying by the coalition of licensees seeking to reduce payments to songwriters.
This isn’t the first time that licensees have attempted to avoid paying songwriters fairly. For decades, these groups have made false and misleading claims to Congress, advocating for policies that protect their financial interests at the expense of music creators.
THE FACTS
The information that the licensees are requesting is already readily available to the public. ASCAP’s entire repertory can be accessed through our website.
The changes being proposed would only serve to benefit licensees, not songwriters.
ASCAP is committed to putting songwriters first. As a member-led, not-for-profit organization, we return 90 cents of every dollar we collect directly to ASCAP members, including songwriters, composers, and publishers.
We use cutting-edge technology to track and process over a trillion performances annually, ensuring that music creators are paid accurately and efficiently whenever their work is used.
ASCAP’s payment and distribution rules are transparent, available on our website, and approved by our member-elected Board of Directors, which consists of 24 songwriters, composers, and music publishers.
HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR ROYALTIES
ASCAP is fighting to safeguard your livelihood. While we will be submitting comments on behalf of our more than one million members, your input is also essential.
Your voice matters. Together, we can protect the rights of American music creators and preserve the value of your music.
