BMI To Launch Online Digital Licensing Center

BMI (http://www.bmi.com), the music copyright company that represents more than 3 million musical works, announced it was starting the BMI Digital Licensing Center, a digital music copyright licensing system for Internet sites.

The digital rights system is aimed at making it easier for small Internet sites to gain access to the performing rights to BMI's stable of artists. BMI says companies can complete copyright licensing agreements on demand with BMI 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Digital Licensing Center is part of BMI's Horizon Project, the company's technology initiative aimed at deploying digital business systems throughout the company. Other initiatives include the BMIMusicBot, an Internet search and database tool released in 1997, and BMI's Internet-based digital airplay reporting system for radio stations.

BMI signed the first-ever agreement for the performance of copyrighted music on the web in April 1995.

Gaining access to BMI's catalogue requires just a registration, acceptance of license terms and credit card payment. BMI said it reduced the minimum fees that it charges smaller Internet sites for complete access to its repertoire. Under BMI's previous rate structure, low revenue-producing sites paid BMI a minimum fee of $500 per year. The new rate means site will pay BMI just $250 for a year of unlimited clearance.