A REAL DIFFERENCE

Marilyn Bergman, President and
Chairman of the Board

Marilyn Bergman, President and Chairman of the Board

The ASCAP Board of Directors election results were announced on March 23, 2005. The vote of the ASCAP membership clearly demonstrated the democratic principles that govern our society. Voting is a major benefit of belonging to a performing rights organization that is member-owned and run by people who create music �rather than be broadcasters who license it. The fact that all incumbent directors were re-elected is recognition of their hard work. Unlike many organizations where the Board serves in a figurehead capacity, the ASCAP Board is truly an active body, meeting regularly to set policy, to serve on committees such as Finance, Foreign Relations, Legislative, Marketing, New Technologies, Survey and Distribution and Symphonic & Concert.

The depth of experience that each writer and publisher Board member brings to the table ensures that every recommendation the Board makes is in the best interest of the membership as a whole. There is never a conflict of interest when we negotiate licenses or lobby Washington for the highest levels of copyright protection. There is a real difference between us and our competitors.

Included in this issue of the magazine is ASCAP's 2004 Annual Report which details the Society's accomplishments last year on many fronts: increasing distributions, negotiating important licensing deals, developing new technology, providing greater member benefits and more. Since ASCAP's success is a direct result of our members' success, I'd like to congratulate all ASCAP writers and publishers for making ASCAP the leading performing rights organization in the world.