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From: jwb@mcnc.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.music
Subject: Re: What are BMI and ASCAP
Message-ID: <1681@mcnc.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 6-Jun-83 13:53:52 EDT
Article-I.D.: mcnc.1681
Posted: Mon Jun  6 13:53:52 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 8-Jun-83 02:29:32 EDT
Lines: 17


ASCAP predates the widespread use of broadcasting while BMI was started
because of dissatisfaction with ASCAPS methods of determining royalty
payments.  As of a few years ago, ASCAP used sales figures while BMI used
actual radio air play.  An ASCAP or BMI audit is often a big deal to a
radio station.  ASCAP audits the books and sets a fee for a given station.
The money is then divided up according to music and record sales figures.
BMI usually does less auditing of a station's books but provides a form
on which a disk jockey is supposed to write down performer, selection title,
composer, etc.  This occurs for a few days every year (and is a real pain).
BMI also tape records stations on a spot basis to check the validity of
what is written.  Disk jockeys who have friends who are composers usually
make sure they dig out those selections during an audit period as this
affects the earnings of their friends.

Jack Buchanan
duke!mcnc!jwb