Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a crucial role in the music industry by ensuring that songwriters, composers, and publishers receive compensation for the public performance of their music. Here’s a closer look at what PROs do and why they are essential to artists worldwide.
What are Performing Rights Organizations?
Performing Rights Organizations are entities that collect royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers whenever their music is publicly performed. This includes performances on radio, television, live concerts, streaming platforms, restaurants, bars, and other public venues. PROs act as intermediaries between the creators of music and businesses that use music, ensuring that creators are paid for the use of their work.
Key Functions of PROs:
1) Royalty Collection and Distribution:
PROs collect royalties from various sources where music is publicly performed or broadcasted. This includes radio stations, TV networks, online streaming platforms, live performances, and more. After collecting royalties, PROs distribute these funds to the appropriate songwriters, composers, and publishers based on usage data and distribution rules.
2) Licensing:
PROs issue licenses to businesses and organizations that use music in public settings. These licenses grant permission for the public performance of copyrighted music and ensure that creators receive compensation for their work.
3) Advocacy and Education:
PROs advocate for the rights of music creators and educate them about copyright laws, royalties, and licensing. They also provide resources and support to help creators navigate the complex music industry landscape.
4) Global Representation:
Many PROs operate internationally through reciprocal agreements with PROs in other countries. This ensures that creators receive royalties for their music regardless of where it is performed or broadcasted globally.
Why PROs are Essential:
Compensation:
PROs ensure that creators receive compensation for their creative work, allowing them to earn a living from their musical talent.
Simplified Licensing:
Businesses benefit from simplified licensing processes by obtaining licenses from PROs rather than negotiating directly with individual rights holders.
Support for Creativity:
By managing royalty collection and distribution, PROs support a thriving music ecosystem where artists can focus on creating music without worrying about the complexities of royalty administration.
Performing Rights Organizations in the U.S.:
- ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
- BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
- SESAC (originally the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, now just SESAC)
