What is a PRO (Performance Rights Organization)?

A PRO (Performance Rights Organization) is an organization that collects and distributes performance royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. These royalties are generated when music is publicly performed, such as on radio, television, streaming services, live venues, restaurants, clubs, and other public spaces.

PROs issue licenses to businesses and broadcasters that want to play music publicly. These licenses allow the businesses to legally use large catalogs of songs while the organization tracks performances and collects fees. The collected fees are then distributed as royalties to the songwriters and publishers whose music was performed.

Well-known PROs include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the United States. By managing performance rights and royalty payments, PROs play an important role in ensuring that music creators are compensated when their work is publicly used.