Total posts : 45366
To be perfectly clear, if you are broadcasting and claiming you are broadcasting for the good of any part of the community, it should go without saying, act like what you are and be responsible for the use of the medium. Be proud you are a community broadcaster and do it right. As in other countries, the federal government could outlaw any broadcasting, without a license, at all.
However, the statement, “That is why, whether you are a part 15 station or a full power commercial station, you need licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC to broadcast music.” is partially correct. Part 15 stations are only “asked” by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) to purchase an annual music license to support the composers and writers of the songs played on the air. The annual fee is $200.00. Part 15 licenses, to my knowledge, are not offered by any other music licensing firms. Sound Exchange and the federal Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) are new and have begun with the spread of internet radio stations. LPFM’s pay license fees to all the companies and agencies (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, SOUND EXCHANGE). Most internet radio station host sites suggest strongly that their clients get a DMCA license from Loud City or SWCast.
Fees vary.
The NPR copyright is very exclusive and meant only for their affiliates. Otherwise, they couldn’t charge their affiliates what they do for programming. Considering the NPR’s latest attack on “fm modulators” that transmit on their licensed frequencies, I would stay completely away from these folks. And frankly, if their content and production hasn’t changed since I was working at the college radio station, you could produce your own newscast and it would sound way better and more relatable to your audience. Do your own and forget NPR.
Copyrighted programming is protected by federal law. Licensing is required on a case by case basis. Some copyrighted programming DOES NOT require licensing for Part 15 stations and normally state so on their web site or in their material. It pays to stay on the right side of the law (like it or not). Raise the standard as a responsible, quality community broadcaster.
Marshall Johnson, Sr.
Senior Pastor, President
Rhema Christian Fellowship, Inc.
Rhema Radio – The Word In Worship
AM 1660 – FM 93.5
http://www.rhemaradio.org
