BMI’s primary goal is to ensure that our writers, composers and publishers are properly compensated for the public use of their music. This objective requires a multifaceted approach that involves educating about public policy and partnerships.
With the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) evaluating the future of the BMI and ASCAP consent decrees, there has been much discussion and concern throughout the industry about the potential long-term impact. This is not surprising, since modifying or sunsetting the decrees would have far-reaching implications for the entire music business. Given that BMI and ASCAP are at the core of this issue, we feel it is important to share our…
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the Songwriters of North America (SONA) and the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), yesterday unveiled broad endorsements for their industry-consensus Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) submission to the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO). The submission, which will be filed by March 21, creates the collective required by the Music Modernization Act (MMA) to license and administer mechanical rights. For songwriters, composers and music publishers, the time is…
Music history was made on October 11, 2018, when the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law. This important legislation updates U.S. copyright law for the digital age and aims to help songwriters and composers receive improved royalty payments for their work when it is streamed. Representing the most meaningful music licensing reform in decades, in addition to benefitting creators, the MMA will streamline the licensing…
BMI announced today that longtime political strategist Michael Collins is joining the company as Vice President, Government Relations, effective November 5. Collins will be based in Washington, DC and report to BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Collins will be responsible for leading BMI’s efforts to protect the rights of its songwriters, composers and music publishers at all levels of government. This includes oversight of the company’s PAC as well as…
Today, the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act was signed into law by President Trump, marking a historic moment for the music industry. Notably, this legislation recognizes the essential contributions of the songwriters and composers at its core, who will see significant and deserved benefit, while streamlining the use of their music across businesses. This extraordinary outcome is the result of tremendous collaboration and unprecedented support among diverse stakeholders who…
Yesterday marked the deadline for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding BMI’s favorable consent decree ruling. With no such action taken, the final decision of the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit stands that BMI is free to continue to engage in the historic practice of fractional licensing. This development definitively ends litigation between BMI and the DOJ in this…
Today the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and affirmed BMI’s consent decree victory. The Second Circuit agreed with Judge Louis L. Stanton’s September 16, 2016 decision that the BMI consent decree allows for the practice of fractional licensing. Mike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI, stated: “This is a massive victory for songwriters, composers, music publishers and the entire industry. We…
Updated August 2017 1. WHAT EXACTLY DID THE DOJ DETERMINE? After BMI spent over two years advocating specific reforms to modernize its outdated consent decree, the Department of Justice (DOJ) refused to agree to BMI’s proposed changes. Instead, it interpreted the current BMI decree as requiring “100% Licensing,” an issue BMI never raised and a licensing approach that has never been the industry practice. 2. WHAT IS ‘100% LICENSING’?
Comprehensive Resource To Increase Ownership Transparency In Performing Rights Licensing
BMI is the bridge that brings music to business and compensates the creators of that music.
Download PDFBMI’s public comments to U.S. Department of Justice request in review of consent decrees.
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BMI President and CEO Addresses Congress on the Need for Change
“When BMI sent me my first royalty check it was for $4.69 … it meant everything. It meant I was a professional songwriter.” “In today’s music industry environment … the one thing keeping songwriters afloat is that performance royalty check.” “Aspects of the BMI consent decree have devalued the musical composition to the point where songwriters are being crushed.” “A legal framework that allows songs to be streamed for free will destroy the livelihood of the American songwriter if allowed to continue.” “My wife of 23 years says … ‘The only days I circle on my calendar every year are the four days your BMI check is coming.’”
Lee Thomas Miller
BMI Songwriter and President of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International
BMI Office of Government Affairs & Public Policy
