Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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BMI Reports Record-Breaking Revenues and Distribution

September 23, 2015 IM

Music rights management company Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) announced record-breaking revenue and royalty distributions for the fiscal year that ended June 30. The organization’s total revenue was $1.013 billion, more than any other music rights organization worldwide. In turn, BMI distributed and administered $877 million to affiliated songwriters, composers, and music publishers, marking a 4.5% increase over the previous year. Revenue sources included Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Pandora, Spotify and YouTube, among many others. International revenues accounted for $292 million, despite significant economic challenges overseas.

In a press release, the company pointed out that its historic revenue performance came in the same year the company prevailed in a groundbreaking rate-setting case against Pandora, following a nearly two-year legal battle. The decision established that publisher marketplace agreements can be taken into account as benchmarks when determining rates, an important step forward in valuing music today.