Universal Music Publishing has been named ‘Publisher of the Year’ at the 34th annual ASCAP Awards for its most performed winning songs 'Downton Abbey' (Theme), 'Together' (The xx), 'Over The Love' (Florence and The Machine), 'Let Me Love You' (Ne-Yo), 'Paradise' and 'Viva La Vida' (Coldplay), 'Sweet Nothing' (Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch) , 'Take Care' (Drake), 'Too Close' (Alex Clare) and 'Troublemaker' (Olly Murs).

This award ceremony honours songwriters, composers and publisher members of PRS for Music whose repertoire is licensed by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and whose works were amongst its most performed in the US the previous year.

Speaking of Universal Music Publishing’s achievement Paul Connolly, UMPG’s President of Europe & the UK said “Great songs connect internationally and amazing songs connect forever. We are privileged to represent so many of these songs, and this award is testament to the talent of their creators. That talent is truly the bedrock upon which the music industry is built.”

As part of ASCAP's ongoing commitment to support emerging music creators, Dan Smith from the band Bastille was honoured with the ASCAP Vanguard Award in recognition of his work. Alex Clare was also named one of ASCAP's 'Songwriters of the Year' for his double Platinum hit 'Too Close' (published through UMPG).