Broadcast Music, Inc.

Broadcast Music Incorporated or BMI is an organization to protect music rights in the communications business.  It was founded by ASCAP, who were boycotting radio at the time (1944). Both BMI and ASCAP, as well as other organizations like SESAC monitor performances of the music to which they control the rights. BMI has historically been more open to composers of rock and roll,  jazz, folk music, blues, and country music who sing and play their own music.

In 2013, BMI made $944 million and gave $814 million to its songwriters.

 Further reading 
 Choquette, Frederic, "The Returned Value of PROs", Music Business Journal, Berklee College of Music, May 2011

References

Other websites
Searchable repertoire of BMI licensed material 
BMI article @ answers.com, better history

Category:Music industry organizations
Category:Organizations based in the United States