While there's plenty of consternation around BMI's turn to a for-profit model and plans to sell, some in the business are recommending a wait-and-see approach.
"The global song rights market is changing rapidly."
After Billboard reported that BMI may sell, ASCAP began posting on social media, highlighting its distinctions from its competitor.
In a letter to BMI CEO and president Mike O'Neill, songwriter groups ask for "real, substantive answers" about how its new business moves will affect signees.
New Mountain Capital is buying the performance rights organization, sources tell Billboard.
Amid a possible BMI sale, several organizations representing songwriters are asking where any profits may wind up.
The Radio Music Licensing Committee is still awaiting the outcome of appeal, in effort to combine the processes and pit the PROs against each other.
In a memo to staff, CEO Mike O'Neill said that outside interest in the company has "intensified" over the past year, when BMI ended a strategic review process.
Launched by Reps. Ted W. Lieu and Ben Cline, the bi-partisan caucus will focus on policies that benefit independent songwriters and intellectual property concerns.
In May, the performance rights organization won a 138% increase for songs performed at live events.