Performing Rights Organization

A Performing Rights Organization (PRO) is an entity that helps songwriters, composers, and music publishers get paid when their music is played publicly—such as on the radio, TV, in concerts, or in stores. PROs collect performance royalties from venues and broadcasters that use music and then distribute these earnings to the creators they represent, ensuring artists are fairly compensated for public performances of their work. They manage licensing, monitor where music is played, and support the rights of creators in the live music ecosystem. Examples include ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN.