BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
Performance rights organization collecting and distributing royalties for public performance of music.
Definition
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is a performance rights organization collecting royalties when members' music is publicly performed. BMI licenses businesses, broadcasters, and digital services that use music, distributing collected fees to affiliated songwriters, composers, and publishers.
BMI operates as a non-profit making organization, distinguishing it from for-profit PRO competitors. The organization provides industry events, awards recognition, and advocacy alongside royalty collection.
Why It Matters
BMI affiliation ensures songwriters receive compensation for public performances of their music. Without PRO membership, creators would have no practical way to collect these royalties.
BMI's monitoring technology tracks performances across millions of outlets, identifying income sources individual creators couldn't discover independently.
Examples in Practice
BMI royalties from streaming services provide steady income that supplements a songwriter's irregular project-based work.
BMI Awards recognition for a song elevates the songwriter's industry profile, with the honor attracting attention from artists and producers.
Analysis of BMI statements reveals which catalog songs generate ongoing performance income, informing decisions about promoting older work.