When did the rules change?

[JeffM]

When I was a kid (teenager) I remember radio and TV stations, at least in my home town, using regular commercially released records as background music for program themes and even commercials (a department store using Gary Puckett's "This Girl Is A Woman Now" for a bridal-gown spot, a car dealer in a neighboring city using Patti Page's "Cross Over The Bridge," etc.)

 

Some time in the mid-80's (I think) this all changed, and local shows and ads had to switch to sound-alike tracks and production library music. This was before the current "Sonny Bono" copyright law; what precipitated this and when did it happen?

[gamingfacade]

It's all the record labels, adding copyright rules to thier music. Sure, I mean you are allowed to use music like that if you contact the company and lisence it from them, but most people don't want to bother so they just go out and buy production music which doesn't need licensing.

[JohnLouis]

Kinda sad really, I think ultimately it limits the creative process. However, everybody wants their money!