Difference Between BMI and ASCAP

BMI vs ASCAP

BMI, or Broadcast Music Incorporated, ASCAP, or the American Society of Composers, and Authors and Publishers are companies that give performance licenses to song writers and music publishers.

Although these two are associated with songs and music, they have many differences. One of the differences that can be noticed between BMI and the ASCAP, is in the membership. While the ASCAP is an association consisting of songwriters, lyricists, composers and music publishers, BMI is only an association of broadcasters. In other words, BMI is only a corporation association.

Writers and music publishers formed the ASCAP in 1914. On the other hand, the broadcasting industry formed the BMI in 1939. In regards to ownership, writers and publishers own the ASCAP. On the other hand, radio and television broadcasters own BMI.

The ASCAP board of directors consists of 12 publishers and writers, who are elected every two years. The broadcast stockholders, and one BMI employee, choose the board of directors of BMI.

While writers and publishers are very much involved in the ASCAP, they have no say in BMI. The BMI does not hold any general meetings. On the other hand, the ASCAP, which consists of a Board of Directors and a Board of Review, meets periodically.

In BMI, the contract for writers is for two years, and the contract for publishers is for five years. There are also short-term contracts. There are also certain differences in the payment structure. The BMI started paid live performances in 1996, and the ASCAP commenced the same in 1993.

While the ASCAP agreement with its members involves contractual obligation, the BMI does not have any contractual obligation towards the writers and publishers.

Summary

1. The ASCAP is an association consisting of songwriters, lyricists, composers and music publishers. On the other hand, BMI is an association of broadcasters.

2. Writers and music publishers formed the ASCAP in 1914. On the other hand, the broadcasting industry formed the BMI in 1939.

3. The ASCAP board of directors consists of 12 publishers and writers, who are elected every two years. The broadcast stockholders, and one BMI employee, choose the BMI board of directors.

4. Writers and publishers own the ASCAP. On the other hand, BMI is owned by radio and television broadcasters.

5. While the ASCAP agreement with its members involves contractual obligation, the BMI does not have any contractual obligation towards the writers and publishers.

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