Need info to settle a bet

[Guest Straight Shooter]

Last night at work,while talking about how "aint nothin free nomore", I made a statement that no body believes. I said anytime you go into a public place, like Wally World, a gas station, elevator, shop or just about any place of business, and they have music playing over a p.a. system, or where it can be heard by the general public,that that place of business is required by law to pay dues to the recording industry, either ASCAAP,or Radio,Records,and Recording Industry, or something like that. IT IS NOT FREE TO DO SO. I need to know a website, or something to go to to verify this. Any info is appreciated. I know this is true, because I worked in a little country store years ago, and a guy came in and talked with the owner, and he wound up paying an annual fee so he could play the radio in the store. Also-I told the guys its illegal for resteraunts,and stores to have on a TV set, anything but news,weather or sports. No regular tv shows allowed. Any info on how to verify this, or, IF IM WRONG, is greatly appreciated.

[Steelharp]

You are correct. Check the licensing company websites, ASCAP and BMI. I would think info would be there.

[Steelharp]

ASCAP General Licensing Report Forms

[DavidD]

Years ago I worked for a semi local retail chain and we got busted on this. I guess being in Nashville, stores playing Country Music and being close to ASCAAP increased the odds. Long Story Short, didn't have to pay any fines but contracted a company to play piped in music. It turned out to be cheaper that way.

[Guest mustangdave]

LOL...Toys R Us...has their own MEW-ZAK...its mind numbing...designed to make you wanna buy toys...or go friggin CRAZY...who knows the jingle?

[Guest Straight Shooter]

THANKS GUYS! Thats just what I was looking for. And hey, mustangdave- I think even that "MEW-ZAK" aint free, either!

Got a big TOLD YOU SO for the fellers at work Monday!! I LOVE being right!!!

[Oh Shoot]

THANKS GUYS! Thats just what I was looking for. And hey, mustangdave- I think even that "MEW-ZAK" aint free, either!

Got a big TOLD YOU SO for the fellers at work Monday!! I LOVE being right!!!

Note that in most every situation though, music from public radio is allowed.

And of course any "muzak" service subscribed to is already licensed.

Big diff between these and cranking out CD's or your own mixes over the speakers.

- OS

[bvarnell]

About 20 yrs. ago, the company I worked for in Atlanta had an FM radio hooked up to phone system to play music whike you were on hold.

They got a call from one of the music licensing (sp?) companies to pay a royalties fee or cease use.

They choose to unplug the radio.

[Oh Shoot]

About 20 yrs. ago, the company I worked for in Atlanta had an FM radio hooked up to phone system to play music whike you were on hold.

They got a call from one of the music licensing (sp?) companies to pay a royalties fee or cease use.

They choose to unplug the radio.

Yeah, can see that, since it's taking a broadcast and re-purposing onto a different audio delivery system.

I'm a little surprised that live internet radio is allowed.

- OS

[rentalguy1]

learn something new every day...

[Guest gunslinger707]

Yeah, can see that, since it's taking a broadcast and re-purposing onto a different audio delivery system.

I'm a little surprised that live internet radio is allowed.

- OS

Oh Shoot i believe they are required to pay the fee's too.If i'm not mistaken any entity that play's music that can be heard by the public is required to pay royaltie's and fee's.

[Oh Shoot]

...

I'm a little surprised that live internet radio is allowed.

- OS

Oh Shoot i believe they are required to pay the fee's too.If i'm not mistaken any entity that play's music that can be heard by the public is required to pay royaltie's and fee's.

They, who?

Of course the radio station is licensed to play what it does one way or another, I'm thinking of the websites that make the interface possible....,\

UPDATE INFO: Hmmm, you're probably right, looking at just one, Live365.com, has a notice on bottom of front page:

"Live365.com is an officially licensed ASCAP, BMI and SESAC site."

- OS

Edited February 19, 2010 by OhShoot