Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) are organizations that manage the rights of artists and songwriters. They ensure that creators receive payment when their music is played in public, such as on the radio, in restaurants, or at concerts. PROs collect licensing fees from businesses and distribute these funds to the artists whose work is performed.
Some well-known PROs include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. These organizations help protect the intellectual property of musicians and promote fair compensation for their creative efforts. By registering with a PRO, artists can focus on their music while the organization handles the legal and financial aspects of performance rights.