 BMI was founded by the National Association of Broadcasters to provide a lower-cost alternative to ASCAP.As such, BMI created competition in the field of performing rights, providing an alternative source of licensing for all music users.The vast majority of U.S. radio stations and all three radio networks refused to renew their ASCAP licenses for 1941, choosing to forgo playing ASCAP music entirely and relying on the BMI repertoire.