AH&LA Finalizes Master Agreement With Sesac

Washington | The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has approved a new industry form licensing agreement with SESAC, Inc., which includes a five percent discount for AH&LA members. SESAC, founded in 1930, is the second oldest performing rights organization in the United States. SESAC’s repertory features today's most popular music, including R&B/hip-hop, dance, rock classics, country hits, Latina music, contemporary Christian, cool jazz, and the television and film music of Hollywood’s hottest composers.

AH&LA President and CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA, who was actively involved in moving the negotiations to conclusion, noted “the negotiations were extensive, and the license is a breakthrough. We secured not only the best deal possible under the circumstances, but the best deal achievable under any circumstances. Not only are the fees extremely reasonable for both industries, but SESAC has clearly recognized the value to their clients of the AH&LA membership.”

Among the services provided to the industry, AH&LA negotiates industry form licenses with all three performing rights organizations, including ASCAP and BMI. While no hotel is required to agree to these licenses, and while each hotel is free to negotiate on its own, AH&LA believes that as a result of its representative status, it is able to negotiate the best possible terms.

“We look forward to developing a strong relationship with AH&LA and their members in the hotel industry via the use of our song catalog,” said Bill Lee, vice president, licensing operations for SESAC. “This agreement reflects the growth in popularity of SESAC music, and allows songwriters and publishers to be paid fairly for the increasing use of their work.”