Music Publishing News Roundup 3.13.15: Senate Hearings, Composer Awards, New ASCAP Execs

his week's roundup of

music publishing news

from our friends at

Songkick

includes the U.S. Senate hearings on the

Songwriter Equity Act

, the

ASCAP top composer awards

and a

new VP

and

COO

at the PRO.

The music industry testified before the senate committee this week, in regards to the Songwriter Equity Act. An argument states that songwriters and publishers are predominantly paid by government controlled royalties. Therefore, eliminating the consent decrees would give them more room to negotiate for higher royalties. With many other topics addressed surrounding this issue and many industry professionals representing this idea, it is an ongoing exploration that may or may not result in actual changes.

ASCAP’s top composers were honored at the 30th annual Film & Television 2015 ceremony, specifically, composers Johann Johannsson, Sean Callery, Austin Wintory and many more. Performers during this event included Shawn Patterson, composer of “Everything is Awesome,” and songwriters Dave Kushner, Curtis Stigers, and Bob Thiele.

ASCAP has appointed a new VP and COO to their staff who will be reporting to ASCAP CEO, Elizabeth Matthews. There are many changes in order with this specific performing rights organization in order to find more innovative ways to better protect its members and improve the basic infrastructure. A warm welcome to Brian Roberts, ASCAP’s new COO.