Quick Definition
A PRO (Performance Rights Organization) is a body that collects royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers whenever their music is publicly performed. This includes radio airplay, TV broadcasts, live concerts, and streaming.
PROs Explained
PROs act as the middlemen between music users (radio stations, venues, streaming services) and music creators. Instead of a radio station negotiating with thousands of individual songwriters, they pay a blanket license fee to the PRO, which then distributes the money to its members based on play data.
Major PROs include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC (USA), PRS for Music (UK), SACEM (France), and GEMA (Germany).
Why It Matters
If you are not registered with a PRO, you cannot collect performance royalties. Your money will sit in a "black box" until claimed or distributed to other members.
Examples
If your song is played on a restaurant's background music system, the restaurant pays a licensing fee to the PRO, which then identifies your song and pays you.
How to Join a PRO
Songwriters can generally join one PRO at a time. Research the fees (ASCAP has a signup fee; BMI is free for writers) and benefits of each before joining. You must register every song you write to get paid.
Related Terms
See also: Performance Royalties, Mechanical Licensing Collective, Publishing Rights.
Track Your Airplay with Soundcharts
Soundcharts provides independent airplay verification. Use our data to audit your PRO statements and ensure you are being paid for all your spins.