The monies are paid by the music users as license fees to the performing right societies, which then pay royalties directly to their members. The monies are divided among each society's members based upon a complex set of factors. In order to collect royalties, music must be registered with the performing rights societies. Documentation meeting specific requirements must also be reviewed and submitted to the performing rights societies for proper crediting. This requires the detailed attention and follow through of a full service music administrator.
Music airing on network television has the greatest earning capacity.
Music airing on cable, syndicated and local television and on radio earn income as well. The Internet is a growing source of revenue. All of these factors are considered to determine the dollar value of a broadcast performance. Royalty distributions are paid quarterly to publishers and composers. Domestic revenues are not paid out until at least the second or third quarter following the first air play.