John Josephson of SESAC Discusses BMI, Acquisitions at Music Biz 2024

SESAC CEO John Josephson made waves at the Music Business Association annual conference in Nashville with his keynote interview, where he discussed the current landscape of performance rights organizations in the music industry.

When asked about the feud between ASCAP and BMI over BMI’s switch to a for-profit model and acquisition by a private equity firm, Josephson tactfully avoided taking sides. Instead, he highlighted the advantages SESAC offers to songwriters and publishers, emphasizing their commitment to delivering better service and more money without making it difficult for clients to leave.

Josephson also shared insights into SESAC’s future plans, including their goal to double or triple market share by leveraging their infrastructure and acquiring new companies. With a multi-pronged approach that includes divisions for church music resources, audio-visual licensing, and music services for publishers and labels, SESAC is positioning itself as a global leader in the industry.

Under the majority ownership of private equity firm Blackstone for the past seven years, Josephson praised the partnership for providing the capital and support needed to pursue SESAC’s vision for long-term growth. He noted that Blackstone’s investment strategy aligns with SESAC’s goals, focusing on the company’s future rather than short-term gains.

Overall, Josephson’s keynote shed light on the evolving role of private equity in the music business and the potential for continued growth and innovation within the industry. As SESAC continues to expand its reach and services, it remains a key player in the ever-changing landscape of performance rights organizations.