Compliance
US Copyright laws give music producers, artists, and song writers the right to charge fees for
the performance of their works. The US Congress has formalized some of these rights in the Digital
Millennium Copyright Act and subsequent actions, related to the broadcasting of music and other
copyrighted works on the Internet. The Copyright Office has endowed the RIAA (Recording Industry
Association of America) with the formal authority to collect fees on behalf of its membership. The
RIAA has established a business unit named 'SoundExchange' for this purpose. In addition to
RIAA/SoundExchange, there are three other organizations that represent members of this trade
and charge performance fees. They are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
Performance Rights Organization Information
There has been a great deal of confusion in the industry related to the rates structure and
fees charged by these organizations. To aid your understanding, we have created the following overview.
You can go to the web sites of each of these organizations to determine your precise obligation by using
their on-line calculation tools or downloadable spreadsheets.
Terrestrial broadcasters are generally covered under their current agreements with ASCAP and BMI.
SESAC requires a Website Addendum to your current agreement. Contact us for details.
DISCLAIMER: Any information on SurferNETWORK.com is intended for
informational purposes only. SurferNETWORK provides software for generating Sound Exchange reporting
requirements. SurferNETWORK does not offer legal advice to broadcasters seeking license and royalty compliance.