Meet the MIC Coalition

We want to make it easier for businesses to legally play music

The MIC (pronounced “mike,” as in “microphone”) Coalition is a group of associations whose members provide music over the nation’s airwaves, through the Internet and in stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, wineries, breweries, taverns, and live event venues throughout the country.

Our top priority is creating a functional music marketplace that benefits consumers, creators, and the millions of MIC member businesses that regularly license musical works for purposes of public performance. Our members have united to be a voice for positive change and greater balance and transparency in music licensing.

Consider us a go-to informational resource for the media, policymakers, music lovers, and creators who want to understand how changes to copyright and competition laws will impact the growing and vibrant digital music economy.

Last year we launched a series of blogs exploring music licensing’s complexities and how the consent decrees governing two of the largest performing rights organizations are vital to the marketplace. Check them out!

• Music Licensing’s Complex and Opaque System Remains a Challenge for Many Small Business
• The Consent Decrees Governing ASCAP and BMI are Vital to Maintaining a Fair, Efficient and Competitive Music Licensing System

The MIC Coalition also presents “Master of the MIC” awards to two Congressional champions at its annual Open MIC night, an evening in June focused on karaoke and a historically popular night among Congressional staff. In 2022, MIC’s champions were Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, both of whom have been strong voices for greater balance and transparency in music licensing.

For the music ecosystem to continue to grow and thrive, we must create a predictable, balanced and transparent music marketplace.

Our coalition is committed to a rational, sustainable, and transparent system that will drive the music marketplace and ensure that consumers have continued access to music across a variety of platforms, venues, and services.

We will continue to post helpful explainers throughout the upcoming year that explore the challenges for music licenses seeking to play and enjoy music in their venues.

MIC Coalition members include:

• American Beverage Licensees (ABL)
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
• Brewers Association (BA)
• Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
• Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
• Digital Media Association (DiMA)
• Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
• International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
• National Restaurant Association (NRA)
• Television Music License Committee (TVMLC)
• The National Religious Broadcasters Music License Committee (NRBMLC)
• National Retail Federation (NRF)
• Radio Music License Committee (RMLC)
• Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
• WineAmerica