What is a PRO?

Performance Rights Organizations / Performing Rights Societies

A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) manages the licensing of public performances for copyrighted musical compositions. In the U.S., four PROs handle the majority of these rights: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR. These organizations are distinct from music publishers, as they only collect royalties from public performances. Songwriters can register their works directly with their PRO or through their publisher.