Performance Rights Organization

A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is an organization that manages and collects royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers when their music is performed publicly—such as on radio, TV, concerts, or streaming platforms. PROs ensure that creators are fairly compensated by licensing public performances and distributing the collected royalties to the rightsholders. Examples include ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN. Essentially, they serve as intermediaries that simplify music licensing and ensure creators earn money whenever their work is enjoyed publicly.