ASCAP CEO: AI Poses Biggest Existential Threat But Also Opportunity for Songwriters If Properly Monetized
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ASCAP touted its record $1.736 billion in collections in 2023, up 14.1% over 2022, as a writers' organization run by members for members.
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ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews stressed the organization protects songwriters' rights, filing 40 litigations in 2023 to ensure writers get paid fairly.
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Matthews said ASCAP views AI as the "biggest existential threat" but also an opportunity if creators get paid and credited for AI-generated work.
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ASCAP chairman Paul Williams said the organization has historically protected songwriters when new technologies emerge that threaten livelihoods.
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Matthews highlighted differences with for-profit BMI, questioning how much profit BMI's private equity owner and shareholders will take before distributions.