The internet has revolutionized how we access media, especially music and entertainment, introducing new challenges for online radio. Unlike traditional radio, internet broadcasting comes with unique considerations, particularly around music licensing.
Starting an internet radio station is normally straightforward and doesn’t require an initial license. Stations focusing on non-copyrighted content, like talk shows, can often bypass licensing concerns. However, for those incorporating copyrighted music, understanding licensing is key to ensuring smooth operations.
For more comprehensive guidance on starting a station, beyond licensing, check out our detailed guide on how to start an online radio station.
_Important Disclaimer: Radio Cult does not provide licensing services.We strongly recommend consulting with copyright and licensing experts specific to your country. This article is an informational guide and should not be considered legal advice.
Why Music Licensing Matters for Internet Radio
Navigating music licensing might seem overwhelming, but it's essential to ensure your station complies with legal standards.
Music licensing involves obtaining permissions to broadcast copyrighted music, ensuring artists, composers, and producers are fairly compensated. For internet radio operators, securing the right licenses isn’t just about legal compliance; it's about supporting the vibrant creative ecosystem that enriches your programming.
Operating without proper licensing exposes broadcasters to legal risks, including fines and potential shutdowns. Understanding and adhering to these requirements is essential for the longevity and success of your 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 |