ASCAP, BMI Collaborate On New Comprehensive Data Resource Songview
ASCAP and BMI have teamed up to launch a comprehensive new data platform, Songview, that provides music users with a resource on copyright ownership and administration shares in the U.S. The new collaboration provides detailed copyright information on more than 20 million songs, including reconciled ownership shares, offering greater transparency for the industry.
Songview technology allows ASCAP and BMI to seamlessly display an agreed-upon view of detailed, aggregated and reconciled ownership data for performing rights in their combined repertoires, including a breakdown of shares by ASCAP and BMI. The information is accessible and free to the public on both ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites. Additional information featured includes songwriters and their affiliations, publishers, performers, alternate song titles, ISWC and IPI codes, BMI and ASCAP song IDs (if applicable), and publisher contact information. Reconciled songs appear with a green checkmark to indicate that ASCAP and BMI agree on the information and have the same data in each of their respective systems.
The information is accessible, free to the public, on both ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites.
“This project is all about providing greater transparency for everyone who relies on this copyright data to guide important business decisions,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.”When you see the Songview checkmark, you know that the data is consistent in both ASCAP and BMI’s copyright systems. Drawing upon our 185 years of combined ASCAP and BMI expertise in managing complex and dynamic copyright data, we have built a convenient new digital tool for anyone who licenses music. This release is our first iteration of Songview, and we are committed to enhancing this new platform as our industry evolves.”
BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill added: “When two companies that are fierce competitors come together on a project this ambitious to address a need identified by the marketplace, it says a lot about how important greater data transparency is to both of our organizations. Today’s launch is a good first step in the ongoing evolution of transparent and accessible data, and I am pleased with what we have accomplished so far to meet the evolving needs of the music industry. I look forward to continuing to expand on the possibilities of Songview in the future.”
