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The ASCAPAdvantageYour Guide to theBenefits of ASCAPMembership

Table of ContentsWho Is ASCAP? ...................................................................3What Is ASCAP? ..................................................................4The ASCAP Advantage ........................................................6How You Join .....................................................................9How You Get Paid At ASCAP .............................................10The ASCAP License ...........................................................13Collecting Foreign Royalties .............................................15Career Development & Support .......................................16Services & Benefits ..........................................................18Affiliated Foreign Societies...............................................19Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers...................20

ASCAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Marilyn BergmanPresident and Chairman of the Board

WRITERSRichard Bellis Marilyn BergmanBruce Broughton Hal David Wayland Holyfield Johnny Mandel Stephen Paulus Stephen Schwartz Valerie Simpson Jimmy Webb Paul WilliamsDoug Wood

John A. LoFrumentoChief Executive Officer

PUBLISHERSMartin Bandier

Caroline Bienstock Barry Coburn

John L. Eastman Roger Faxon

David H. Johnson Dean Kay

James M. Kendrick Leeds Levy

David Renzer Irwin Robinson

Kathy Spanberger

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Who Is ASCAP?ASCAP is its members–creative people who write the music and lyrics that enrich lives in every corner of the world.

ASCAP is home to the greatest names in American music, past and present–from Duke Ellington to Madonna, from George Gershwin to Stevie Wonder, from Leonard Bernstein to Beyoncé, from Marc Anthony to Brad Paisley, from Henry Mancini to Hans Zimmer–as well as many thousands of writers in the earlier stages of their careers.

ASCAP represents every kind of music. ASCAP’s repertory includes pop, rock, alternative, country, R&B, rap, hip-hop, Latin, film and television music, folk, roots and blues, jazz, electronic, gospel, Christian, new age, theater and cabaret, dance, symphonic and concert music, and everything in between–the entire musical spectrum.

ASCAP members are individuals who make their living writing music. As a society of composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers, we know very well that there are many steps between creation and compensation; months, if not years, can pass between the creation of a song, and the day when the revenues due to the writer actually arrive. A music creator is like a small business, and ASCAP exists to ensure that music creators are paid promptly when their works are performed publicly. Some of the many other ways in which ASCAP can help writers include workshops, showcases, our website and publications, and an exclusive, tailor-made benefits package that includes health and instrument insurance, a credit union, discounts on musical accessories, travel and much more. And then there’s the annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, the first and only national conference dedicated to songwriting and composing. ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.

The world’s greatest music creators put their trust in ASCAP

Photos opposite page: (left to right, top to bottom) Beyoncé, John Corigliano, Michael Giacchino, Maná, Madonna, John Mayer, Jermaine Dupri, Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Coldplay, Jon Bon Jovi, Randy Newman

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What Is ASCAP?ASCAP is a membership association of hundreds of thousands of composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers.

ASCAP is a performing rights society that represents its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works. These royalties are paid to members based on surveys of performances of the works in our repertory that they wrote or published. (See “How You Get Paid at ASCAP” on page 10 for details.)

ASCAP is a clearinghouse for creators and users of music. ASCAP’s customers, or licensees, encompass all those who want to perform copyrighted music publicly, such as radio and television broadcasters, cable programmers, live concert promoters, symphony orchestras, shopping malls, bars, and websites. Under the U.S. Copyright Law, they must have the permission of the copyright owner to perform copyrighted music publicly.

It would be virtually impossible for music creators to keep track of all the possible places their music is performed. It would be just as difficult for music customers to locate the numerous songwriters, composers and publishers of every work they want to perform. As a clearinghouse, ASCAP makes giving and obtaining permission to perform music simple for both the creators and users of music. ASCAP’s service benefits the creators, the customers and, ultimately, the public. ASCAP also has international agreements with societies performing similar functions around the world. We license the works of their members in the U.S., and they license the works of our members in their respective territories. (See “Collecting Foreign Royalties” on page 15 for details.)

ASCAP is the first and foremost guardian of performing rights. ASCAP’s commitment to creators reaches back to its creation in 1914 by a small but visionary group of songwriters led by Victor Herbert and including Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa and James Weldon Johnson as founding members. They met at a hotel in Manhattan, with more than 100 members of the music community in attendance, to establish a practical and economical way for music creators to ensure they would be compensated for the public performance of their works in accordance with the U.S. Copyright Law.

ASCAP is not a music publisher, a licensor of dramatic rights, or a licensor of mechanical rights. We are not a union or an organization of performers, although many of our members are also performers. ASCAP members who write musical plays, operas or ballet scores deal directly with producers for the right to perform their works “dramatically.” The ASCAP license does authorize non-dramatic performances of songs from dramatic productions (e.g., the radio or television performance of a song from a Broadway show). Mechanical and “synch” rights are granted to producers directly by writers or their publishers. The ASCAP license does cover the performance of film, video and television music when it is broadcast or played in a venue we license.

“ASCAP is my home for performing rights. I know as a member-owner of ASCAP, I am well taken care of. “

– Rob Thomas

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The ASCAP AdvantageASCAP is member owned.

ASCAP is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. created and controlled by composers, lyricists, songwriters and music publishers. Our Board of Directors is made up entirely of writers and publishers elected from and by the membership every two years. Writer members elect 12 writers to sit on the Board, and publisher members elect 12 publishers. This Board elects a President and Chairman, who has traditionally been a writer. The ASCAP Board knows the needs of the members first-hand and it represents no other special interest group. The Board has a clear agenda — to provide the fairest and highest level of payments, the best service and the best copyright protection for the membership. To achieve these objectives, the Board relies on an exceptional staff of experienced business professionals to manage ASCAP’s operations.

ASCAP collects significantly more money from music users for performing rights than any other organization in the world. Every penny we collect, less operating costs, is distributed to our members. More than 88 cents of each dollar we collect goes right back to our members in royalties. That is the highest distribution ratio in the U.S.

ASCAP pays faster. Royalty checks go out twelve times a year: four distributions go to writers for domestic performances, four go to publishers for domestic performances, and four cover foreign performances for both writers and publishers. ASCAP has accelerated royalty payments for performances in the United States, with writers and publishers receiving full payment approximately six months after a performance quarter. Our four foreign distributions, in February, May, August and November, also ensure that our members receive foreign royalties as quickly as possible.

ASCAP leads in securing rights for our members by actively licensing more music users and negotiating the best license fees.

ASCAP is the first U.S. performing rights organization to distribute royalties for performances on the Internet and continues to be a leader in licensing websites and new media. We have developed strategic alliances with leading technology companies to maintain our leadership in copyright protection in the digital world.

ASCAP has developed many technological innovations that have set international standards for performance identification, such as Mediaguide, the most comprehensive and accurate performance tracking system using advanced “fingerprinting” technology.

ASCAP’s books are open to all. ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization to provide full financial disclosure to our members and the public.

ASCAP helps new writers. We offer a wide variety of songwriter workshops, showcase programs, scholarships, grants and awards to help writers in the early stages of their careers (See “Career Development and Support” on page 16 for details). Our annual “I Create Music” EXPO brings together songwriters and music industry insiders from all over the world for a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our members to network, educate themselves, and take charge of their careers.

ASCAP’s distribution system is based on fairness and openness. All similar performances are similarly credited. The newest member is treated on the same level as the most established member. Our members are paid based on performances, not who they are. ASCAP members know how they are being paid. Royalties are determined objectively over their entire copyright life and not by discretionary voluntary payments, short-term special deals, or management favoritism. Payment changes must be approved by the Board of Directors, elected by and from the membership. No changes in royalty rates are made arbitrarily without notice to the membership, as they are at other performing rights organizations.

“In the ever changing battle over music, I

know I’m not alone in the fight. It’s not just a song, it’s my life. That’s

why I put my trust in ASCAP.”

– LeAnn Rimes

“In the ever changing battle over music, I

know I’m not alone in the fight. It’s not just a song, it’s my life. That’s

why I put my trust in ASCAP.”

– LeAnn Rimes

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ASCAP members have a voice. ASCAP is the only performing rights organization to hold annual membership meetings during which members have the opportunity to learn about our operation from the president and staff, to ask questions, and to voice concerns. ASCAP members also participate in the affairs of the Society by serving on a variety of committees, such as the Symphonic and Concert Committee, Latin Music Council, Commercial, Promotional, Announcement (CPA) Advisory Committee, the Board of Review, and others.

ASCAP fights harder for your rights than any other group. ASCAP is, and has always been, the pioneer in fighting for the rights of music creators in Congress and in the courts. We lead efforts to protect our members’ rights by vigorously opposing legislation that is harmful to creators, and by initiating changes to the Copyright Law that will benefit creators. We always keep you informed of legislative matters that affect you, and we encourage your involvement in our efforts.

ASCAP offers a generous benefits package with a full range of benefits and discounts created to make the life of the working music professional a little easier. Our selection of benefits is always growing.

Visit www.ascap.com/benefits for the most up-to-date information.

“ASCAP cares about songwriters and composers and continues to fight for our rights in the dynamic world of new media. That’s why I put my trust in ASCAP.”

– Glen Ballard

How You JoinYou can apply online at www.ascap.com.

You can join as a writer, publisher, or both if you meet the eligibility requirements.

To become a writer member, you must be the writer or co-writer of a musical composition or song that has been:

• commercially recorded (CD, record, tape, etc.)• performed publicly in any venue licensable by ASCAP (club, live concert, symphonic

concert or recital venue, college or university, etc.)• performed in any audio visual or electronic medium (film, television, radio, Internet,

cable, pay-per-view, etc.)• published and is available for sale or rental

To become a publisher member, you must:

• indicate whether you are applying as a corporation, a partnership, or an individually owned publishing company

• verify that your company is regularly engaged in the music publishing business, and has assumed the financial risk involved in the normal publication of musical works, or that you publish works which are publicly performed regularly by the Society’s licensees

• prove that you meet any of the eligibility requirements for full writer membership

After completing and signing the application materials, you can return them to any ASCAP membership office. There is a one-time processing fee for each application.

Your writer membership will pass on to your heirs, in accordance with the Copyright Law, until the copyrights expire, and they will continue to receive royalties, just like living members. The survivors or estate of a deceased writer who was not a member may also apply for membership.

OR

OR

OR

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How You Get Paid At ASCAPASCAP receives payment for public performances of songs and compositions by negotiating license fees with the users of music (radio, TV, cable, bars, clubs, restaurants, shopping malls, concert halls, websites, airlines, orchestras, etc.) and distributing these monies to members whose works were performed.

ASCAP pays directly and fairly. ASCAP is guided by a “follow the dollar” principle in the design of its payment system. In other words, the money collected from television stations is paid out to members for performances of their works on television, the money collected from radio stations is paid out for radio performances, and so on. ASCAP tracks music use on these and other media and live venues to determine which music has been performed, and the appropriate writers and publishers to be paid.

The value of each performance is determined by several factors, among them the amount of license fees collected in a medium (television, cable, radio, etc.), the type of performance (visual vocal, underscore, theme song, jingle, etc.), and the economic significance of the licensee, i.e. how much a station pays us.

Keeping track of performances: Each year, there are billions of performances of ASCAP music in the hundred thousand or more broadcast and live venues we license throughout the country. Whenever it is economically sensible, ASCAP will conduct a census survey, or complete count, of performances in a medium. ASCAP is able to count all performances in a medium when the cost of collecting and processing accurate performance information is a low enough percentage of the revenues generated by that medium.

Where a census survey is impractical, we conduct a sample survey designed to be a statistically accurate representation of performances in a medium.

Accuracy and integrity are hallmarks of the ASCAP surveys, and that is why we rely on a combination of sources of data for performance information. These include the most advanced digital tracking technologies, data provided by our licensees, and our staff of music experts.

We rely on our members or their representatives to provide us with complete and accurate information on all of their copyrighted songs or compositions through our title registration system. Works can be registered online at www.ascap.com. In addition, producers of television and cable shows provide us with cue sheets listing detailed information on all of the writers and publishers who have music in a show.

The following chart outlines the various media, including broadcast, cable, online, and live shows, where we conduct a complete count of performances and where we conduct a sample survey.

MEDIUM THE CENSUS SURVEY (Complete Count of Performances)

THE SAMPLE SURVEY

Network Television •ABC,NBCandCBS–allperformances,including music in commercial, promotional and public service announcements.

•Fox,Paramount(UPN),WarnerBros.(WB) – all programs and promotional announcements.

•Musicincommercialsandpublicserviceannouncements.

•PAXandUnivision–allprograms. •Musicincommercial,promotionalandpublicservice announcements.

PBS •AllPBSprograms,syndicatedprogramsand films on stations with $20,000 or more annually in license fees.

•Allotherprogramsanduses.

Cable TV •Allgeneralentertainmentcableservices,premium movie services and major sports services.

•Allotherlicensedcableservices.•Musicincommercial,promotionalandpublic

service announcements.

Local TV •Allsyndicatedprograms,featurefilms,andmovies of the week.

•LocallyproducedprogramsforwhichASCAPis paid on a per-program license basis.

•Allotherprograms.•Musicincommercial,promotionalandpublic

service announcements.

Live Concerts •Allsongsperformedinthe200top-grossingconcert tours, as well as selected other major live performance venues, covering headliners and opening acts.

•Livesymphonicandrecitalconcerts.

•Performancesineducationalinstitutionswhere the artist is paid less than $1,500.

Radio •Allradioincludingcommercialstations,satellite radio, National Public Radio, and college radio stations.

Internet •ASCAP-licensedInternetsites,Ringtoneand Wireless licensees that provide us with complete data on music use.

•OtherASCAP-licensedInternetsites.

Background and Foreground Music Services •TheEnvironmentalChannelandFMIsatelliteservices of MUZAK.

•DMX

•MusicChoice

Other Media •RinglingBrothersandBarnum&BaileyCircus•DisneyOnIce•RadioCityMusicHallChristmasandEaster

Shows•DisneyandUniversalThemeParks•BancoPopular

•Airlines

As digital information becomes more readily available, ASCAP expands our complete count of performances and relies on samples only where it is necessary.

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In accordance with the Audio Home Recording Act, ASCAP will also collect and distribute home-taping royalties for members who wish us to represent them.

General Licensees: Of course, it would be impractical to monitor all performances in bars, clubs, restaurants and the like. ASCAP licenses tens of thousands of music users, such as these, that do not fall into the ASCAP surveys. The monies collected from these establishments go into a “general” licensing fund and are paid out to members on the basis of feature performances on radio and all surveyed performances on television.

The ASCAPLUS Awards Program

The ASCAPLUS Awards Program compensates those writers whose works are substantially performed in venues and media outside of our surveys. Every year, all members have an opportunity to apply for ASCAPLUS Awards by telling us about this performance activity, such as tours and club and concert dates. An independent panel reviews the applications and makes cash awards to deserving members. Cash awards are also given to writers whose works have a unique prestige value. ASCAP is the only performing rights organization with a cash awards program of this kind. A similar program is available to writers of affiliated foreign societies whose works are performed in unsurveyed venues in the U.S.

The ASCAP LicenseASCAP has been the leader in the music licensing field for decades. Music is used by businesses as a vital part of their total services offered to their customers. ASCAP’s licensees recognize that using music benefits their business because music, like other amenities or products, pays off in heightened customer satisfaction, increased profits, and improved employee morale and productivity.

ASCAP’s licensees include the major television networks, local television, cable television, direct satellite broadcasts, radio stations, public broadcasters, colleges and universities, taverns and restaurants, background music services, websites, private clubs, hotels, conventions and trade shows, concert halls and concert presenters, dance halls, shopping centers and malls, theme and amusement parks, airlines, and numerous other businesses that use music. There are over one hundred different ASCAP rate schedules covering all types of businesses that perform music. The fees for similar businesses with the same type of usage are the same, but the fees vary widely among the different kinds of customers. For example, a local radio station will pay a lower fee than a television network; a neighborhood tavern pays a lot less than a Las Vegas hotel.

Businesses know that the ASCAP license provides good value, and hundreds of thousands of businesses that publicly perform copyrighted music have chosen to enter into ASCAP licenses. The ASCAP license provides businesses with the right to perform the millions of songs created or owned by America’s best composers, songwriters, lyricists, and publishers, and many more writers and publishers from all over the world. Through the ASCAP license, in one simple transaction and for one annual fee, businesses can take care of their legal obligation under the copyright law to obtain permission to use ASCAP members’ copyrighted music. Information about works in the ASCAP repertory is available to music users at www.ascap.com, or by calling 866-238-8997.

As new venues and delivery systems for music arise, ASCAP is in on the ground floor, offering licenses on behalf of our members. One example of this readiness is ASCAP’s suite of “new media” license agreements for the many types of music uses and business models on the Internet and wireless networks. Over 6,000 new media sites and services are licensed by ASCAP.

“As a composer for film, I know my work is often pirated when the film is. ASCAP is working hard on my behalf to collect what is fairly mine and to help establish copyright protection around the world for my work.” – Hans Zimmer

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Collecting Foreign RoyaltiesASCAP collects and distributes more in international royalties than any other performing rights organization. There are societies similar to ASCAP around the world and we cooperate with them to ensure that our members receive royalties earned from performances of their works abroad. ASCAP has reciprocal agreements with foreign societies representing virtually every country that has laws protecting copyright, whereby we license the works of their members in the U.S. and they license the works of our members in their territories. To maximize foreign revenue from a growing number of sources, ASCAP continually reviews the payment procedures of foreign societies to ensure that our members receive all they deserve; our high-profile, uniquely experienced Regional Directors visit, support, and proactively build relationships with new societies in the rapidly developing economies of Central/Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

ASCAP is the most effective U.S. performing rights organization in collecting international royalties. By virtue of our long-standing relationships with foreign affiliated societies, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of how they do business and identified the tools and procedures needed to help them administer our repertory most effectively. Amongst many innovations, ASCAP has developed customized tools to pre-empt problems and check the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of television performance statements received from affiliated foreign societies.

ASCAP’s foreign revenue has grown steadily because of our efforts and the increased prominence of our members’ repertory. Together with that revenue (which is distributed four times per year), ASCAP members also benefit from interest earned on royalties pending distribution as well as a substantial foreign tax credit, which translates into potential tax savings of $5 million per year.

ASCAP has a full-service membership office in London, providing a wide range of services and support to members who live, travel or have business abroad. The Society also plays a prominent global role in CISAC, which is the international confederation of performing rights organizations. ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Marilyn Bergman served two terms as President, ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento is a member of the Board of Directors, and ASCAP executives actively participate in its Technical and Regional Committees and Working Groups.

“Thank you to ASCAP for making me feel so at home. I am honored to belong to this big family of fellow songwriters who I admire and respect.”

– Marco Antonio Solís

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“When I finally got my certificate in 1955, I said ‘Man, I’m in ASCAP!’ I was happy because so were Duke Ellington and all these great people.”

– Quincy Jones

Career Development & SupportASCAP’s membership staff is a savvy support team comprised of people who love music and know the industry. The membership department supports writers and writer/artists every step of the way. Membership offices are located in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Atlanta, Miami, London and Puerto Rico. For more information on how ASCAP can help you, call the membership office nearest you.

ASCAP keeps you informed with news that is important to your career via our award-winning website, www.ascap.com, our member e-newsletter, Inside Music, and our member magazine, Playback. ASCAP also hosts annual membership meetings and educational seminars.

The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO is the first and only national conference 100% dedicated to songwriting and composing. ASCAP understands the opportunities and challenges that face today’s music creators better than anyone. Who better to offer the knowledge, the tools and the contacts that music professionals seek than ASCAP? Featuring celebrity keynotes, dozens of panels and programs, one-on-one mentoring sessions, networking events, master classes, technology demonstrations and much more, the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO is a must–attend event for songwriters, composers, publishers and producers seeking to maximize their success. Go to www.ascap.com/expo to register.

ASCAP presents career development programs and workshops in film scoring, country, pop, R&B, gospel, musical theater, jazz, Latin, concert music and other areas to help you refine your craft when you’re starting out.

ASCAP sponsors high-visibility showcases and other opportunities for members who are ready to perform live before an audience of invited music industry representatives.

ASCAP takes pride in honoring your success. We annually honor our writer and publisher members who deserve special recognition in the fields of pop, country, R&B, hip-hop, rap, Latin, gospel, Christian, film and television, and concert music. Other awards are presented for great

achievement, such as the ASCAP Founders Award, given to those members who have made a significant impact in the history of music, and the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is awarded to members when they have achieved special career milestones.

The ASCAP Foundation, established in 1975, is a publicly supported charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education and talent development programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs, and providing grants to 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in educational programs for aspiring songwriters and composers. The ASCAP Foundation supports programs in all musical genres that are national and regional in scope. Programs of The ASCAP Foundation are supported by contributions from ASCAP members, other foundations, corporations and music lovers throughout the United States. The ASCAP Foundation welcomes your contributions, which are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For more information, please visit the Foundation’s website: www.ascapfoundation.org.

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Services & BenefitsASCAP strives to provide its members and customers with the best service, most up-to-date information, and the most comprehensive benefits package available to music professionals.

Member Services Department: ASCAP is the only U.S. society with a fully-staffed Member Services department to provide expert service and answers to a variety of questions concerning membership status, royalty history, address changes and other general information. Members can reach the Member Services department by calling 1-800-95-ASCAP (1-800-952-7227) from 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Spanish-speaking representatives are also available.

Licensee Services: ASCAP offers a benefits package to many of our licensee customers as a way of enhancing the value of an ASCAP license. ASCAP also provides expert service and answers any questions that our customers/licensees may have. Account service representatives can be reached at 1-800-505-4052 for General Licensing, 1-800-99-ASCAP (1-800-992-7227) for Broadcast Licensing, or 212-621-6271 for Internet Licensing.

ASCAP’s ever-growing website, www.ascap.com, is the portal to everything our members need. It’s filled with essential information on ASCAP’s operations, multimedia coverage of all of our events, and vital member services including our ACE Title Search, title registration, and an account management system for our licensing customers. The ASCAP website outlines all of our upcoming events and workshops and boasts a resource guide with hundreds of recommended books and publications. One of the most popular areas of www.ascap.com is the online Collaborator Corner, a free service for music professionals seeking collaborators for music-related projects. You’ll also find a wealth of useful articles and information about music and the music business for professionals and aspirants alike.

Playback, ASCAP’s member magazine, is filled with the latest news on ASCAP events, new member listings, legislative updates, feature articles on members, and much more. ASCAP also produces “Music and Money,” a brochure that focuses on the many sources of income for writers and publishers, and “Music, Money, Success and the Movies,” both of which can also be found on our website.

Inside Music, ASCAP’s email newsletter, is filled with the most up-to-date information about professional opportunities, legislative issues, member benefits and more. Inside Music is the best way to stay informed about ASCAP, learn about career opportunities, and get the most from your membership.

Affiliated Foreign SocietiesThis is a representative list of societies with which ASCAP has direct or indirect relations. There are many smaller societies that are administered by larger societies, and many countries and territories administered by larger societies where the country has no society of its own. For example, Bermuda has no society and is administered by PRS, the UK Society.

Affiliated Foreign Societies

Albania ALBAUTOR Argentina SADAIC Armenia ARMAUTHOR Australia & New Zealand APRA Austria AKM Barbados COSCAPBelgium SABAM Benin BUBEDRA Brazil UBC Bulgaria MUSICAUTOR Burkina Faso BBDA Cameroon SOCINADA Canada SOCAN Central African Republic BUCADA Chile SCD Colombia SAYCO Congo BCDA Costa Rica ACAM Croatia HDS/ZAMP Czech Republic OSA Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire SONECA Denmark KODA Dominican Republic SGACEDOMEcuador SAYCEEgypt SACERAU El Salvador - SACIMEstonia EAU Finland TEOSTO France SACEM French Polynesia SPACEMF

Germany GEMA Ghana COSGA Greece AEPI Guatemala AEIGuinea BGDA Hong Kong CASH Hungary ARTISJUS Iceland STEF India IPRS Indonesia KCI Ireland IMRO Israel ACUM Italy SIAE Ivory Coast BURIDA Jamaica JACAP Japan JASRAC Kazakhstan KAZAK Kenya MCSK Korea KOMCA Latvia AKKA-LAA Lithuania LATGA-A Madagascar OMDA Malawi COSOMA Malaysia MACP Mali BUMDA Mauritius MASA Mexico SACM Morocco BMDA Netherlands BUMA Niger BNDA

Nigeria MCSN Norway TONO People’s Republic of China MCSC Peru APDAYC Philippines FILSCAP Poland ZAIKS Portugal SPA Republic of Panama SPAC Romania UCMR-ADA Russia RAO Senegal BSDA Serbia & Montenegro SOKOJ Singapore COMPASS Slovakia Republic SOZA Slovenia SAZAS South Africa SAMRO Spain SGAE Sweden STIM Switzerland SUISA Taiwan MUST Thailand MCT Togo BUTODRA Trinidad & Tobago COTT Tunisia SODACT Turkey MESAM United Kingdom PRS Uruguay AGADU Venezuela SACVEN Zambia ZAMCOPS Zimbabwe ZIMRA

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Bill of Rights for Songwriters and ComposersTo remind the public, members of the music industry and U.S. legislators of the central role and rights of those who conceive and create music, ASCAP has developed a Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers. This awareness-building initiative centers around 10 core principles, including “We have the right to be compensated for the use of our creative works, and share in the revenues that they generate” and “We have the right to license our works and control the ways in which they are used.” Just as citizens of a nation must be educated about their rights to ensure that they are protected and upheld, so too must those who compose words and music know the rights that support their own acts of creation. Without these rights, which directly emanate from the U.S. Constitution, many who dream of focusing their talents and energies on music creation would be economically unable to do so – an outcome that would diminish artistic expression today and for future generations.

This on-going grassroots campaign continues to collect signa-tures and support from both established and aspiring song-writers, lyricists and composers from all genres of musical compositions.

Those who wish to add their support to the Bill can sign it electronically online at www.ascap.com/rights.

“I am grateful to ASCAP for fighting for songwriters’ rights. The Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers reinforces the

value of my life’s work. Making sure my rights are protected allows me to make a career out of my passion.” – Ne-Yo

A Bill of Rights for Songwriters & Composers Created by ASCAP

We have the right to be compensated for the use of our creative works, and share 1. in the revenues that they generate.

We have the right to license our works and control the ways in which they are 2. used.

We have the right to withhold permission for uses of our works on artistic, 3. economic or philosophical grounds.

We have the right to protect our creative works to the fullest extent of the law 4. from all forms of piracy, theft and unauthorized use, which deprive us of our right to earn a living based on our creativity.

We have the right to choose when and where our creative works may be used for 5. free.

We have the right to develop, document and distribute our works through new 6. media channels - while retaining the right to a share in all associated profits.

We have the right to choose the organizations we want to represent us and to 7. join our voices together to protect our rights and negotiate for the value of our music.

We have the right to earn compensation from all types of “performances,” 8. including direct, live renditions as well as indirect recordings, broadcasts, digital streams and more.

We have the right to decline participation in business models that require us to 9. relinquish all or part of our creative rights - or which do not respect our right to be compensated for our work.

We have the right to advocate for strong laws protecting our creative works, and 10. demand that our government vigorously uphold and protect our rights.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

ASCAP Offices

ATLANTA950 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, Suite 23, Atlanta, GA 30318404.685.8699•404.685.8701fax

LONDON8 Cork Street, London W1S 3LJ, England01144207439-0909•01144207434-0073fax

LOS ANGELES7920 W. Sunset Blvd., Third Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90046323.883.1000•323.883.1049fax

MIAMI420 Lincoln Road, Suite 385, Miami Beach, FL 33139305.673.3446•305.673.2446fax

NAShvilleTwo Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203615.742.5000•615.742.5020fax

NEW YORKOne Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023212.621.6000 administrative212.621.6240membership•212.794.9064fax

Puerto riCoAve. Martinez Nadal, c/o Hill Side 623, San Juan, PR 00920787.707.0782•787.707.0783fax

www.ascap.com

December 2008