The only requirement to join BMI as a music publisher affiliate is completing, signing, dating and submitting a copy of the BMI Publisher Agreement, which is available online at the BMI website. BMI-affiliated music publishers must agree not to join any other music-licensing organization during the term of the agreement.
Music publishers affiliated with BMI must agree to submit a "clearance sheet" for each song the publisher wishes to register with BMI. The clearance sheet contains the names and contact information of the songwriters and publisher(s) and the song's title and date of publication.
Music publishers must agree not to charge a songwriter in return for publishing songs written by the songwriter. Publishers agree to obtain a copyright for each song registered with BMI and must warrant that all songs submitted do not violate copyright laws. BMI agrees to collect fees on behalf of the publisher and pay royalties, minus BMI's administrative fee.
Royalty rates for performances and broadcasts that are collected by BMI for publishers vary based on several factors, such as the size of the radio station. Royalties are calculated and paid to music publishers on a periodic basis. Current rates can be found at bmi.com/rib.