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Starting An online radio station?


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Hi there

 

I came to this forum as over the last year or so i have been contemplating running my own online radio station and have decided that I dont want to put it off any longer. The thing is though I have no idea really when it comes to this.

 

My biggest concern, well query is where do I get a license to play online music? and how much does it cost. Is it a one of big payment or can it be paid monthly. I guess I need to sort this out before anything else really?

 

Hosting is not a problem as I have that sorted. Any help would be great guys.

 

Thanks

 

Justin

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Hey Justin,

 

Licensing is a tough one, it varies from each country, regarding who you have to pay etc etc, however, we've got a list here of most of the licensing agencies worldwide.

 

I can't comment on how much it will cost and how often you pay, as I personally don't run my own station...

 

If it does seem to much, then you may like to take a look at some of the current DJ positions available in the Shows, Jobs and Airchecks forum. Or alternatively online stations such as 1Radio and Reach OnAir allow anyone to register and broadcast shows from anywhere in the world, regardless of how much experience you have.

 

I hope this helps,

 

Johnnie

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Hi there

 

I came to this forum as over the last year or so i have been contemplating running my own online radio station and have decided that I dont want to put it off any longer. The thing is though I have no idea really when it comes to this.

 

My biggest concern, well query is where do I get a license to play online music? and how much does it cost. Is it a one of big payment or can it be paid monthly. I guess I need to sort this out before anything else really?

 

Hosting is not a problem as I have that sorted. Any help would be great guys.

 

Thanks

 

Justin

 

If you are using a online host I would check with them to see if they have any deals. If you are hosting your own... I would select from the list John gave you.

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Swcast is another, if your station is not bringing money in and your new to this, we can help you setup streaming and license with a small budget.

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Man that is a tough one these days! And the others are right about licensing. See it doesnt just matter where you are, it matters where your Listeners are!

 

If you broadcast in America on an American Streaming provider, some will allow us to use their license (IE: Live365) but your shows will be compromised by their advertising. Also, Since the CRB decision Royalty Rates are astronomical. Now, this does NOT remove you from the responsibility for paying Royalties to BMI, SESAC and ASCAP as well as SoundExchange and these are now substantial considering your expected to pay on a per song, Per Listener basis.

 

Then, of course, comes where the "Listeners" are! If one person in the UK tunes in your stream your expected to have a license in the UK. And pay royalties for each song streamed there per listener. How about listeners in Oz? Or Japan? Or Germany? Yes...your expected to have licenses for them and pay royalties to their collection arms for music played also.

 

Streaming one song can put you on the hook for an awful lot of money! Is it any wonder there are so many "Pirate" stations around! We do not condone pirate radio...this is just an observation.

 

So think it over very carefully!

 

MADcHATTER

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I realize that royalties are a big issue, and technically it is supposed to be paid to where the listeners are listening from, but it is unrealistic to believe that Internet broadcasters are going to license themselves for everywhere around the world. Most of us are small time operators. I do license through Loudcity, and they cover me for all the major players here in the U.S.A. at a reasonable cost.

 

There is going to have to be some international agreement somewhere along the line as to how royalties will be paid. Until then, I'll continue paying my royalties through Loudcity.

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