While a PRO (Performing Rights Organization) collects performance royalties for public performances, a publisher provides a broader scope of services including licensing, promotion, and collection of additional royalty types. Having both ensures that musicians’ works are comprehensively managed and monetized.
-
Publishers manage the broadest range of rights and royalties for a song/composition, including mechanical, synchronization, and print royalties, as well as potentially providing creative support and promotion services.
-
PROs specialize solely in collecting and distributing performance royalties. This specialization allows them to focus on tracking and monetizing public performances efficiently.
-
Mechanical royalties flow-through entities like PROs called Mechanical Rights Societies (MRO) or more typically called Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
Mechanical royalties are a significant source of money for a song - representing roughly half of the Publishing royalties for digital streaming at DSPs. Mechanical royalties do not automatically flow to you like with music distribution. You might be able to access your home country's mechanical royalties yourself, but it’s nearly impossible to collect the royalties owed outside your country without a Publisher. In countries other than the US, the CMO may also be a PRO, but they are separate memberships with separate rights granted.
A Publishing Administrator - like ReverbNation Publishing - works to register, administer (entering contracts) and collect for a songwriter / song.
A Full-Service Publisher may take on more active roles in marketing songs, finding placement opportunities, and connecting songwriters with other creators and music executives.
ReverbNation Publishing functions as a Publishing Administrator, but also captures a Licensing right to procure synchronization licenses and other forms of licensing. The ReverbNation Licensing agreement includes additional rights needed to license a song composition and its recording for film, tv, and other mediums.
Benefits of Having a Publisher
-
Holistic Revenue Collection: By having a publisher, a musician can ensure all potential revenue streams are monetized (not just performance royalties).
-
Maximized Reach and Opportunity: A publisher makes sure your songs are registered at all organizations, not just PROs. Publishers can push for sync placements and other lucrative opportunities.
-
Increased Efficiency: A publisher can register information with a range of partners involved with the royalty process whereas a PRO registration only helps with one portion of the money you are owed.
Comments
Article is closed for comments.