jvs@iwu1d.UUCP (06/03/83)
Can someone tell me exactly what BMI and ASCAP are? I have been seeing thest names on records all my life. Every song on every record is associated with one or the other. Also, why are these the only two. Thanks in advance John V. Smith
paul@uofm-cv.UUCP (06/03/83)
Broadcast Music, Inc. and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. I was in the musicians' union once, I believe that is what the initials stand for. ASCAP, for example, was started by Victor Herbert, of Babes in Toyland fame, when he realized people could play his music with no recompense for himself. The organizations monitor radio and TV broadcasts, as well as live performances, in order to determine royalites, etc.
jwb@mcnc.UUCP (06/06/83)
ASCAP predates the widespread use of broadcasting while BMI was started because of dissatisfaction with ASCAPS methods of determining royalty payments. As of a few years ago, ASCAP used sales figures while BMI used actual radio air play. An ASCAP or BMI audit is often a big deal to a radio station. ASCAP audits the books and sets a fee for a given station. The money is then divided up according to music and record sales figures. BMI usually does less auditing of a station's books but provides a form on which a disk jockey is supposed to write down performer, selection title, composer, etc. This occurs for a few days every year (and is a real pain). BMI also tape records stations on a spot basis to check the validity of what is written. Disk jockeys who have friends who are composers usually make sure they dig out those selections during an audit period as this affects the earnings of their friends. Jack Buchanan duke!mcnc!jwb
larry@grkermit.UUCP (06/08/83)
Does anybody know whether non-profit college radio station have to pay royalties to BMI/ASCAP. -larry
lipp@ccvaxa.UUCP (06/12/83)
#R:iwu1d:-11900:ccvaxa:10200002:000:956 ccvaxa!lipp Jun 10 19:22:00 1983 Response from "jwb" takes care of the usual broadcast "royalties" . BMI and ASCAP (my stuff goes through BMI) also will collect "royalties" payments from musical organizations, festivals, and general live (non- broadcast) performances. The composer (me, in this case) reports a performance of his composition to BMI and they collect from the performing group or in many cases the sponsoring organization. These groups/organiza tions have budget monies set aside to cover this fee. BMI collects for performances with a minutes of music --times-- concert hall size --times-- mystery multiplier. For us little guys, BMI sends us a check every Jan. They'll also cover live performances outside North America. What does it all mean?....... example: I had a fifteen minute piece played at a festival in Helsinki. Two years later BMI sent me $130. Not bad you say....., but the piece took me "full time work" for six weeks (what's $$/hr.?)