SOCAN Moves to Strengthen Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - SOCAN today announced that it has acquired the assets of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF).

"The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is an important institution that celebrates the successes achieved by Canadian music creators," said Eric Baptiste, CEO of SOCAN. "The Hall of Fame gives our legendary songwriters and composers the public recognition they deserve. Their creations form not only a cherished part of the fabric of Canadian culture, but also contribute to the economic success of the music industry."

The objective of the CSHF is to honour, celebrate, and educate Canadians about the outstanding accomplishments of Canadian popular music songwriters and those who have contributed significantly to their legacy. "The Hall of Fame is a great fit for SOCAN as we continue to champion the work of our members coast to coast," continued Baptiste.

The next step in the transition involves creating a new governance structure and establishing a new board of directors. While SOCAN will now operate the CHSF, its directors will include representatives from Canada's music industry, including CSHF's founding partners, CMPA and SAC.

"SOCAN's new commitment to CSHF recognises the important work CSHF has done, and has still to accomplish, in honouring Canadian songs and songwriters," said Catharine Saxberg, Executive Director. "As a proud founder, CMPA is very excited about the potential to make CSHF even stronger with the resources and talents that SOCAN will contribute under this new agreement."

"As one of the founding partners, the Songwriters Association of Canada is very pleased to welcome SOCAN's increased support and involvement in the CSHF," said Eddie Schwartz, President, Songwriters Association of Canada. "SOCAN's commitment ensures that the CSHF will be able to continue honouring the outstanding achievements of Francophone and Anglophone songwriters, and to celebrate this rich and unique musical heritage for many years to come."

SOCAN represents the Canadian performing rights of millions of Canadian and international music creators and publishers. SOCAN is proud to play a leading role in supporting the long-term success of its more than 100,000 Canadian members, as well as the Canadian music industry. SOCAN is a not-for-profit organization that collects licence fees from over 42,000 businesses coast to coast and distributes royalties to its members and peer organizations around the world. SOCAN also distributes royalties to its members for the use of Canadian music around the world in collaboration with its peer societies. socan.ca, @SOCANmusic

For further information:

Media Contact:
Betsy Chaly
Director, Marketing and Communications
SOCAN
[email protected]
416.442.3836