As the debate over online piracy continues to make headlines, ASCAP continues to remain focused on ensuring that the songwriter's voice is heard loud and clear in this discussion. One important point we make wherever and whenever we can is that the role of the songwriter is unique and separate from that of a performing artist, who can augment their income by concerts, touring or by selling t-shirts and other merchandise. For many of our members, the income derived from the performances of their work, whether it be on traditional, satellite or Internet radio, television, or in venues where music is used, is often their sole livelihood. We will continue to help educate the public, members of Congress and those in the technology field that without the creators who produce the music that is loved and performed around the world, there would be nothing to debate.

It is also important to note that we embrace any technological innovation that helps more people enjoy our music -- just as long as we maintain the rights to control our property and permission to use it. Throughout history, technological evolution has given us the phonograph, the radio, television, cassette tapes, CDs and the Internet. With the advent of each of these "new" delivery systems, the importance of copyright protection has been upheld. As America's oldest and only member-owned performing rights society, we have been through these technological shifts before, and we are confident that the rights of our more than 170,000 members will be protected.

ASCAP is pleased to announce another exciting technological innovation of our own. We have developed Mediaguide, the most comprehensive and accurate performance tracking system using "fingerprinting" technology. Currently, Mediaguide is tracking music performances on over 2,000 U.S. radio stations in 150 markets. Already, over 1.3 million musical works have been fingerprinted and are in the Mediaguide database. With this new technology, ASCAP members will receive the ultimate level of performance tracking accuracy to date. But more importantly, it will help ensure the livelihoods of our members as greater numbers of the public enjoy our musical creations.

Marilyn Bergman
President and Chairman of the Board