ASCAP REVENUES TOP $1.3B IN 2020

ASCAP collected more than $1.327b in revenues, a $53 million increase over 2019.

Domestic revenue was up 2.5% to $969m; foreign revenue of $358m was up 9% over 2019. The growth in domestic revenue was driven largely by a 28% gain in audio streaming revenue and 8% in audio/visual.

"2020 challenged all of us unlike any other year in modern history. It also defined ASCAP’s dedication to our members,” said ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews. “That meant strengthening our commitment to our mission to serve our songwriters, composers and music publishers by taking every step necessary to secure their livelihoods and careers. Inspired by our members each and every day, the ASCAP team proved that innovation, efficiency and progress really can be escalated in a crisis."

ASCAP grew royalties for its songwriter, composer and publisher members by $29m, or 2.5%, for a total of $1.213b available for distributions. Domestic distributions from ASCAP-licensed and administered performances hit $891m, an increase of $22m, and foreign distributions totaled $322m.

COVID-19 shutdowns caused a 30% decline in revenues from businesses that were shut down or at reduced capacity during the last three quarters of 2020—concerts and events, music venues, bars, clubs, restaurants, retail stores, hotels and more.

The ASCAP 2020 annual report can be viewed here.