PPL and PRS for Music, have launched a new joint licence for Ofcom-licensed community radio stations broadcasting on AM or FM.
The licence represents the organisations’ first joint initiative for the radio broadcast sector, as they bid to simplify the music licensing process.
Not-for-profit community radio stations were previously required to purchase two separate licences from PPL and PRS for Music to cover the inclusion of music within their broadcasts.
The joint licence is administered by PPL on behalf of both organisations and community radio stations can apply for and purchase their licence online via PPL’s website. And, as well as covering a station’s AM or FM broadcast, the optional right to license internet simulcasts and/or small scale DAB simulcasts is included within the joint licence.
Jez Bell, chief licensing officer, PPL said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this new joint licence for community radio stations with PRS for Music; the first joint tariff for us in the radio broadcast sector. Community radio plays a huge role in engaging with local listeners and stations are very often run by volunteers – we have spoken to our existing licensees and the Community Media Association and this simplified joint licence is a result of that consultation. Approximately 240 on-air community radio stations will benefit from the new joint licence, as well as any future stations.”
Andy Harrower, director of broadcast, PRS for Music, added: “Radio can play an important role in bringing local communities together, with music helping to create vibrant and engaging programming for its listeners. Working together with PPL, we are pleased to be able to help community radio stations by ensuring that music licensing is made as easy as possible for those who keep the stations up and running behind the scenes.”
