5. "PRO's were born of the reluctance to unionize..." In response to In response to 3 Mon Nov-06-23 04:39 PM by CyrenYoung
..While they're not "unions", they perform the task of organized collection & distribution of earnings/royalties, while maintaining certain standards regarding licensed performances.
*Please note: The challenges being faced during that era are very similar to modern times.
Back then, unions weren't viewed in the same perspective (esp for minorities). There were legitimate concerns regarding fair negotiation practices and regulation.
Crazy that so many musicians bolted from ASCAP for fear of unfair practices, only to join BMI (ironically, a PRO created by broadcasters --- the true monopoly).