BMI
Broadcast Music, Inc. - a major performing rights organization that collects and distributes royalties for songwriters and publishers.
Definition
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is one of the largest performing rights organizations in the United States, representing over 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Founded in 1939, BMI pioneered the licensing of genres underrepresented at the time, including blues, jazz, country, and R&B.
The organization collects license fees from businesses that use music publicly and distributes royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers based on performance data. BMI operates as a non-profit-making organization, returning revenues to its members.
Why It Matters
BMI affiliation is crucial for songwriters to monetize their catalog when their music is performed publicly. The organization's comprehensive tracking and distribution system ensures creators are compensated for radio play, streaming, TV appearances, and live performances.
For music marketers, understanding BMI's role helps navigate licensing requirements. Any campaign involving public music use must account for performance rights, and BMI's licensing solutions provide legal clarity.
Examples in Practice
A country songwriter affiliated with BMI receives quarterly royalty statements detailing performances on radio, streaming platforms, and TV, with payments calculated based on airplay frequency and audience size.
A sports arena obtains a BMI blanket license to legally play walkup music, between-period entertainment, and victory songs without negotiating individual track licenses.
BMI's annual awards ceremonies recognize the most-performed songs of the year, providing valuable promotional exposure for affiliated writers and publishers.