BMI & ASCAP Comparison Chart: Royalties, Agreement Terms, & Window Periods
What is a Performance Rights Organization(PRO)?
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A PRO like BMI and ASCAP manage and collect royalties for music creators for their music's public performance and broadcasting, including radio, television, live performances, and digital platforms.
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What is a window period?
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A "Window Period" is a specific timeframe set by the PRO when members can end their agreement.
Members
1.4 Million
940,000
Founded
1939
1914
2022 Total Revenue
About $1.57 billion
$1.522 billion
Paid to Affiliates in 2022
About $1.47 billion
$1.388 billion
Profit Margin
10% of total revenue, about $157 million
About 10%, about $152.2 million
Profit Margin Increase
NA
Advocacy for Affiliates
Leadership
Affiliation Agreement
Term
Two Years
One Year
Fees
One-time fee of $75.00 for songwriters/composers, $175 for publishers
Free for songwriters/songwriter & publisher, one-time fee of $50 for publishers
Renewal
Automatic renewal every other year unless canceled during the window period
Automatic renewal every other year unless canceled during the window period
Window Period Duration
Three Months
Three Months
Window Period Dates
Based on signup dates
Based on signup dates
Your Sign-up Date
Refer to Affiliation Agreement
Refer to Affiliation Agreement
Can Terminate Agreement
Biennial (Every Other Year)
Biennial (Every Other Year)
Termination Process
Fill out the Request to Terminate BMI Affiliation Agreement Form
You will see a button on your dashboard to begin the resignation process if you are within your window period. If you do not see the button, your window is not open.
Termination Delivery Methods
Use registered, certified, express mail, or any method with a recorded delivery date
Initiate by submitting an ASCAP Writer Resignation Notification Form via mail or Member Portal
Send Termination Notice To
BMI, Attn: Writer Administration, 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203-4399
ASCAP Resignation Notification, 1250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107
Email Notices
NO ACCEPTED
NA