BMI/SESAC
If your station uses music on its website (other than music included in a simultaneous stream of the over-the-air or HD signal), you may require a separate "Internet" or “Website” license for such activity from BMI and SESAC.
If your station uses music on its website (other than music included in a simultaneous stream of the over-the-air or HD signal), you may require a separate "Internet" or “Website” license for such activity from BMI and SESAC.
Digital Performance of Sound Recordings
In addition to licenses from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (which cover the right to perform musical compositions), your station may also need a license to perform sound recordings on the internet. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 ("DMCA"), the owners of sound recordings (principally record labels, as represented through their licensing agency – The Sound Exchange) have the right to license certain digital performances of sound recordings. Accordingly, radio broadcasters may be required to also obtain licenses from the owners of any sound recordings that they may stream over the internet, or face potential copyright infringement liability.
In view of the complex nature of this requirement, we strongly encourage any radio station or group that is streaming its broadcast signal over the internet, or otherwise offering music over the internet, to consult counsel to determine whether its use of music on the internet raises any potential copyright liability. Alternatively, stations may wish to make inquiries directly to The Sound Exchange at http://soundexchange.com/.
In addition to licenses from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (which cover the right to perform musical compositions), your station may also need a license to perform sound recordings on the internet. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 ("DMCA"), the owners of sound recordings (principally record labels, as represented through their licensing agency – The Sound Exchange) have the right to license certain digital performances of sound recordings. Accordingly, radio broadcasters may be required to also obtain licenses from the owners of any sound recordings that they may stream over the internet, or face potential copyright infringement liability.
In view of the complex nature of this requirement, we strongly encourage any radio station or group that is streaming its broadcast signal over the internet, or otherwise offering music over the internet, to consult counsel to determine whether its use of music on the internet raises any potential copyright liability. Alternatively, stations may wish to make inquiries directly to The Sound Exchange at http://soundexchange.com/.