ASCAP Reports Record Financial Results for 2004

ASCAP's 2004 distributions totalled $610 million — a 14.9% increase over the prior year, and the best ever in ASCAP's history.

For 2004, ASCAP's revenues reached an all-time high of $699 million. Of that amount, international revenues were $206 million, up 14% over the prior year.

ASCAP's operating ratio reached an all-time low 13.5%, one of the lowest operating ratios in the world for a performing right society, and the lowest by far in the U.S.

Strong revenues together with operational efficiency add up to more money in our members' pockets.

Over the past four years, ASCAP has distributed over $2.2 billion to our members.

Detailed information will be made available along with audited results in ASCAP's 2004 Annual Report to be released in a later issue of Playback.

ASCAP Launches Infringement Actions Against Establishments Performing Copyrighted Music Without Permission

In 2004, ASCAP achieved 100% success rate with its copyright infringement litigation

ASCAP has filed 24 separate copyright infringement actions against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 15 states and the District of Columbia. These establishments have publicly performed the copyrighted musical works of ASCAP's songwriter, composer and music publisher members without receiving their permission to do so, resulting in lost income.

"Informing business owners of their obligations under Federal Copyright Law is one of ASCAP's key roles," said Vincent Candilora, Senior Vice President of Licensing at ASCAP. "We provide any business using music the opportunity to receive permission through acceptance of a license covering the use of over 8 million copyrighted songs and compositions, and we make every effort to educate business owners concerning their music licensing responsibilities. If our good efforts are ignored, then our only recourse is legal action."

During 2004, ASCAP achieved a 100% success rate with its copyright infringement litigation, with all concluded cases resulting in either a cash settlement or a judgment in favor of ASCAP members. This is significant as ASCAP represents over 200,000 member owners who, for the most part, are songwriters and composers who rely heavily on their ASCAP royalties, as well as ASCAP's enforcement efforts on their behalf. Over 86 cents of every dollar collected is distributed to its members, the music creators.

According to Vince Abbatiello, ASCAP Vice President of Sales and Director of General Licensing, "When business owners ignore their obligations and violate Federal Copyright Law, they are actually stealing from the songwriters and composers who created the music compositions that those businesses are using. Individual songwriters and composers are the ultimate small business people, working on their own with limited opportunity for sustained success. We only take legal action when all other means of resolution have been exhausted. But when we litigate on behalf of our members, our success rate is always very high. Business owners who ignore the Copyright Law in the belief that they can escape penalty should treat this very seriously. Don't steal our members' music."

FEINSTEIN FETE

The first-ever ASCAP American Songbook Award was recently presented to Michael Feinstein in recognition of the singer-pianist's dedication to and advocacy of the great 20th Century American songwriters. The event, which featured performances of special material by Alan Bergman, Ann Hampton Callaway and Jimmy Webb, took place at Feinsteins at the Regency in Manhattan. Pictured at the event are (l-r) composer Charles Strouse, Alan Bergman, Ann Hampton Callaway, Feinstein, Jimmy Webb and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman.