ASCAP announced Thursday it had collected record-high revenues in 2017. Last year ASCAP collected $1.144 billion in revenue — and for the first time ever ASCAP distributed $1 billion to songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Revenue was up 8 percent and distributions were up 10 percent over 2016.
Revenue from ASCAP’s licensing in the United States grew nearly 11 percent to $846 million, up $86.9 million over 2016. Domestic distributions increased to $723 million, up 15 percent over 2016.
ASCAP represents more than 660,000 members. The organization says it delivers about 88 cents out of every dollar collected back to members.
ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews said, “ASCAP is privileged to represent the creators of the world’s best-loved music. ASCAP is securing a strong future for our members by successfully closing key licensing deals and launching innovative digital tools that will enhance the lives of our members and make it easier for licensees to do business with us. Our healthy 2017 financial results are proof positive that we are succeeding in our strategic transformation and our mission to support music creators and music publishers for a sustainable future in the digital economy.”
ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “I am gratified by the hard work that the ASCAP team does every day to make it possible for members of ASCAP to make their living as music creators. 2017 was a year of progress on so many fronts at ASCAP, including important deals that keep money flowing back to creators, technological investments that will keep us ahead of changes in the industry, and momentum behind our efforts to reform our outdated music licensing system.”
