(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has launched ASCAP Network, a rich media resource for music industry professionals and music creators. Users will be able to access streaming audio and downloadable podcasts of music from emerging ASCAP songwriters and composers. Also planned in the near future are video and audio coverage of special events such as the upcoming ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, exclusive member interviews, performances, and more.
The Network's initial offering is ASCAP Radio, a continuous stream of music, with different genres each hour, and three downloadable podcasts, featuring jazz, pop/rock and rhythm & soul. While ASCAP staff members serve as programmer/hosts, special guest hosts from ASCAP's membership will be a regular feature. And, in a departure from traditional radio, hosts will let listeners know who wrote the song they've just heard.
"By drawing on the expertise of ASCAP's nationwide staff, as well as the real-time radio monitoring data provided by Mediaguide, the ASCAP Network will give listeners a unique, early opportunity to discover up-and-coming writers and composers, and at the same time provide our participating members with a way to reach a new audience," ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento said. "We view this as a valuable public service for record labels, music publishers, managers, bookers, venue owners and our other collaborators in the industry, who continually seek to discover new songwriting talent." –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
