The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a professional organization that represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers in the United States. Founded in 1914, its primary role is to collect licensing fees from businesses that use music and distribute those fees to its members based on their works' usage. ASCAP helps protect the rights of its members by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their creative contributions. The organization also provides resources and support for music creators, including workshops, networking opportunities, and advocacy for music rights at the legislative level.