Broadcast Music, Incorporated

American organization

Also known as: BMI

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI) was formed in 1940 by broadcasters in response to ASCAP's demand for a higher royalty percentage. BMI is a rival performing rights society to ASCAP, which was established in 1914 to protect the rights of composers and collect fees for public performances of their music. BMI, like ASCAP, collects royalties and licensing fees from music presenters and distributes these to its member composers, lyricists, and music publishers, operating under U.S. copyright laws.1

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2 Britannica Sources

BMI
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National Association of Broadcasters
Formation
…an alternative musical licensing agency, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), designed to compete with ASCAP. In 1940 a rate increase dispute led to the filing of federal antitrust suits against both parties. Ultimately, the broadcasters and ASCAP reached a compromise on fees as well as an agreement acknowledging the permanent existence…
Read More
…an alternative musical licensing agency, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), designed to compete with ASCAP. In 1940 a rate increase dispute led to the filing of federal antitrust suits against both parties. Ultimately, the broadcasters and ASCAP reached a compromise on fees as well as an agreement acknowledging the permanent existence…
Read More