U.S. Supreme Court Decision a Huge Victory for ASCAP Members
Just as Playback was going to press,
the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision
to uphold the 1998 Sonny Bono Copyright Term
Extension Act (CTEA), which extended copyright
protection an extra 20 years -- to the life
of the author plus 70 years. ASCAP President
and Chairman Marilyn Bergman issued the following
statement:
"The Supreme Court's decision supporting copyright
term extension is a tremendous victory for America's
composers and lyricists -- those men and women
who are the purest entrepreneurs because they
face an empty page and, out of the 'factory of
their minds,' create the music that speaks to
the essence of what we are all about. Our copyright
system must assure that our creative efforts receive
proper reward, protection that we can pass on
at least to our children and grandchildren. It
must assure that we, and those who invest in our
works, will receive at least a chance of economic
success, here and abroad. Congress recognized
these needs by enacting the Sonny Bono Copyright
Term Extension Act, and the Supreme Court did
likewise by upholding it. It is a great day for
ASCAP's writer and publisher members, for all
American creators, and, indeed, for the nation
as a whole."
ASCAP Reports Record Distributions in 2002
- For 2002, ASCAP will report distributions
of $587 million.
- Included in this record total is $375 million
for domestic performances, $133 million for
foreign performances, and $79 million in special
distributions primarily from Viacom and HBO.
- Over the past 3 years, ASCAP has distributed
more than $125 million as a result of our
aggressive and very favorable cable settlements.
- Revenues were $635 million on operating
expenses of approximately $94 million. Expenses
have actually been reduced compared with 2001
levels.
- With an operating ratio of 14.8%, 2002
marks the second year in a row that ASCAP
has reported an operating ratio under 15%,
well below any other American performing rights
organization.
- Detailed information will be made available,
along with audited results, in ASCAP's 2002
Annual Report to be released later in 2003.
