PROs (Performing Rights Organizations)

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) are entities that manage and protect the rights of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. They ensure that artists receive royalties whenever their music is publicly played, performed live, broadcast, or streamed. PROs collect these payments from venues, radio stations, TV broadcasters, and digital platforms, then distribute the earnings to the rights holders. Examples include BMI, ASCAP, and SOCAN. Essentially, PROs serve as intermediaries that facilitate fair compensation, enabling creators to earn revenue from their intellectual property whenever their music is performed publicly.