GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Democracy, transparency, accountability. These principles which have guided ASCAP for more than 90 years are never more apparent than with our upcoming bi-annual election of our Board of Directors, and with our general annual membership meeting in April. They represent ASCAP's unique strength as a performing rights organization.

As you know, ASCAP is the only performing rights organization in the United States whose Board of Directors is made up of composers, songwriters and publishers elected from its membership by its membership every two years. Those members who have earned any performance credits in the last survey year are qualified to vote and should have received a ballot to elect 12 writer members and 12 publisher members to serve on ASCAP's Board.

In this issue of Playback, we are pleased to provide profiles of the Board candidates. As you will see, these candidates reflect the great diversity of ASCAP's repertoire, representing all genres of music. These writers and publishers know the needs of the members first-hand and represent no other special interest group. They also know that the ASCAP Board is the policy-making, governing body of our Society and that its members assume their chairs with appropriate seriousness and dedication.

ASCAP's general annual membership meeting has always provided members an opportunity to learn more about the Society. On April 4, when ASCAP holds the meeting in New York City, we will also, for the first time, webcast it live. This will allow more members around the world to be a part of the meeting. It also reflects ASCAP's commitment to making the best use of the Internet and technology to improve our communication and service to members. If you are unable to attend in person, I urge you to tune into the webcast.

I wish you all a happy, creative and successful new year.

Marilyn Bergman
President and Chairman of the Board