SESAC, originally known as the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, is an American performing rights organization that administers public performance licensing for composers, songwriters, and music publishers. It serves as an alternative to the two major performing rights organizations (PROs) in the United States, ASCAP and BMI.
SESAC was founded in 1930, and its main objective is to ensure that its members receive fair compensation for the public performance of their musical works. It is a privately-owned PRO, offering a more personalized approach to its members. Unlike ASCAP and BMI, which are both not-for-profit organizations owned by their members, SESAC operates as a for-profit company.
The core function of SESAC is to issue licenses to businesses and organizations that use music publicly, such as radio stations, TV networks, restaurants, and live performance venues. It collects fees for the public performance of music and then distributes those royalties to its affiliated composers, songwriters, and publishers.
In recent years, SESAC has expanded its services to include other areas of the music industry, such as licensing for video games, mobile apps, and online platforms. This has enabled SESAC to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and provide new revenue streams for its members.
Overall, SESAC plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and ensuring fair compensation for its members, making it an important organization within the music industry.
