The internet has revolutionised how people access and interact with a nearly limitless number of things. But this vast increase in access does create its own set of problems. Online radio is no different, especially when compared with its predecessor: terrestrial radio. There are myriad ways radio has been transformed since it began being broadcast over the internet. One such way and the focus of this blog post is music licensing for internet radio.
Unlike terrestrial radio, there is no requirement to have a license to begin broadcasting over the internet. Unfortunately however, for most stations this is not the end of the story. If your internet radio station never plays any copyrighted material - such as a talk show only station - then you can stop reading this blog right now. For the many stations who do play copyrighted material, continue reading to find out what you need to know about internet radio music licensing.
If you intend to start a station soon and want some helpful advice beyond music licensing. Refer to this blog post on how to start an online radio station
A quick disclaimer: Radio Cult does NOT provide licensing. We strongly recommend you consult with the relevant copyright and licensing professionals or authorities for your country. This blog post should NOT be considered legal advice, but rather a useful explainer to familiarise how music licensing may apply to your radio station.
Why music licensing is essential for internet radio
Navigating the world of music licensing may seem daunting, but it's essential for meeting your station’s legal requirements.
Music licensing is the process of obtaining legal permission to use copyrighted music. This ensures that artists, composers, and producers receive compensation for their work when their music is broadcasted. For internet radio stations, securing the appropriate licenses is not just about compliance; it's about supporting the creative industry that fuels your broadcasts with diverse and vibrant music.
Broadcasters risk legal actions, fines, and potential shutdowns without proper licensing. Therefore, understanding and adhering to licensing requirements is paramount for any online radio station.
The types of licenses for internet radio
Understanding the types of licenses required for internet radio is crucial for legal compliance and seamless operation. Here, we’ll explore the licenses necessary to legally broadcast music and how they apply to your radio station.
Broadcasting licenses
Broadcasting licenses are essential for playing recorded music publicly on your radio station. These licenses are typically managed by performance rights organizations (PROs) that collect and distribute royalties to artists, composers, and publishers.
Blanket licenses
A blanket license is one of the most convenient options for an internet radio station. It covers a broad range of music from various artists, eliminating the need to obtain individual licenses for each song played. This type of license is ideal for stations that play a diverse array of music, providing comprehensive legal coverage with minimal administrative hassle.
Many licenses of this nature are paid on an annual basis. Your station's price depends greatly on the country you are broadcasting from and the countries you intend to broadcast to.
Mechanical licenses
Mechanical licenses are required for reproducing and distributing music. This is particularly relevant if your stations offer downloadable content or podcasts. Mechanical licenses ensure that artists are compensated for reproducing their work, including digital downloads and streaming services.
Where your station can find licenses
The regulatory bodies we discuss below are the organisations which will issue your station with the appropriate license(s). They are the intermediaries between your radio station and the ultimate owner of the copyrighted piece of work, whom they collect royalties on behalf of. Each of these organisations are specific to the country they administer.
It is important to note that most licenses cover the scenario where your station attracts listeners from beyond the country you broadcast from. The license should detail which countries you are permitted to broadcast to.
In the United Kingdom, the two main regulatory bodies are:
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Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL): represents the interests of record labels and collect royalties from radio stations on their behalf.
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Performing Rights Society (PRS): collects royalties on behalf of artists and composers and covers music that’s played on mediums such as radio, TV and online.
In the USA, there are four regulatory bodies:
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American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP),
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Broadcast Music Inc (BMI),
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Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), and
The first three organisations all perform the same function which is to collect royalties for public performances at locations such as radio stations, bars and shops.
SoundExchange is the exception. It collects royalties from digital public performances i.e. anything conducted over the internet. If your radio station is strictly online, then SoundExchange alone will cover your licensing needs.
Please refer to the list at the bottom of this blog post for a more extensive account of the regulatory bodies that cover countries not discussed above.
List of worldwide regulatory bodies
Please note: the following list is not exhaustive.
| Country | Regulatory body |
|---|---|
| Australia | PPCA |
| Argentina | SADAIC |
| The Bahamas | URCA |
| Bangladesh | BTRC |
| Bolivia | SOBODAYCOM |
| Brazil | ABERT, ABRAMUS, UBC |
| Bulgaria | CRC |
| Canada | SOCAN |
| Chile | SCD |
| Columbia | SAYCO |
| Costa Rica | ACAM |
| Cuba | ACDAM |
| Cyprus | CRTA |
| Dominican Republic | SGACEDOM |
| Ecuador | SAYCE |
| El Salvador | SACIM |
| Finland | TEOSTO, Gramex |
| France | SACEM |
| Germany | GEMA, GVL |
| Greece | GEA |
| Guatemala | AEI |
| Honduras | AACIMH |
| Iceland | STEF |
| India | IPRS |
| Indonesia | ORARI |
| Ireland | PPI, IMRO |
| Italy | SIAE |
| Jamaica | JACAP, JAMMS |
| Kenya | PRISK, KAMP, MCSK |
| Lithuania | LRMD |
| Luxembourg | SACEM Luxembourg |
| Malta | BAM |
| Mexico | SACM |
| The Netherlands | SENA, BumaStemra |
| New Zealand | APRA |
| Nigeria | NBC |
| Peru | APDAYC |
| Poland | ZPAV, ZAIKS, STOART, SAWP |
| Portugal | ANACOM, ERC, SPA, PASSMUSICA |
| Romania | CREDIDAM |
| Russia | VOIS |
| Serbia | SOKOJ |
| Slovenia | AKOS |
| South Africa | CAPASSO, ICASA |
| Spain | SGAE |
| Sweden | STIM |
| Switzerland | SUISA, Audion Music |
| United Kingdom | PPL, PRS |
| United Arab Emirates | TRA |
| Uruguay | AGADU |
| USA | ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SoundExchange |
| Venezuela | SACVEN |