The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership organization that protects the rights of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. It ensures these creators are compensated when their music is played publicly—such as on radio, TV, concerts, or streaming services. ASCAP collects performance royalties from businesses and distributes them to its members. Its role is to advocate for creators' rights, provide licensing services, and support the ongoing creation of music, helping musicians earn income from their work while allowing public access to a wide range of music legally and ethically.