Comprehensive Guide to Internet Radio Stream Licensing: Essential Information for Online Broadcasters

Is stream licensing necessary? Lots of people ask if they need a license to stream publicly. The short answer is yes. If you plan on broadcasting licensed material to the public, you will need a license to stream. However, you do not require a license if all your material is original, such as talk radio, religious congregation, indie music, etc. If you’re still in the planning phase, check out our guide on starting an internet radio station for setup tips.

This guide walks you through all licensing and requirements for an internet radio station so you stay compliant.

Licensing and Requirements for an Internet Radio Station

• Blanket PRO licence: ASCAP / BMI / SESAC (or SOCAN + Re:Sound in Canada).
• Sound recording reporting: Daily CSV logs from CastHost uploaded monthly.
• Territory check: Ensure licence covers every country you stream to.

Radio Stream Licensing Information

Internet radio licensing rules are simple – if you are streaming and the stream is public or broadcasting to the public and you are playing copyrighted material, you do need to license your stream. Alternatively, you would need to get permission from every record label to play their music, which involves getting public performance rights. Honestly, it’s easier to just get a stream license.

Luckily, we live in an internet age where getting a license for your stream is easy and affordable. Providers like ProNet Licensing offer simple and cost-effective ways to ensure your stream is legal. This information is provided for your convenience as we do not have any affiliation with this stream licensing provider.

Why Do I Need a License to Stream Radio?

It is crucial that whoever owns the material/music you are streaming gets paid what they are owed. When you purchase a stream license, you ensure that you are not stealing their work and they receive proper credit. This applies to various scenarios:

• Public Performances: Whether in a marching band, dance class, or street performance, if you are playing copyrighted music, someone has to pay for it.
• Digital Streaming: Playing music over the internet to a public audience without a license is a breach of copyright laws. A stream license covers these public performance rights, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

With licensing covered, explore ways to grow revenue in our guide to monetizing your internet radio station.

Understanding Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)

Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) are entities that manage the rights of songwriters, composers, and publishers by collecting royalties on their behalf. Here’s an overview of some major PROs:

1. ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers):
   • Services: Licenses public performances, collects royalties, and distributes them to members.
   • Members: Songwriters, composers, music publishers.
2. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.):
   • Services: Similar to ASCAP, focusing on licensing and royalty collection.
   • Members: Open to songwriters, composers, and publishers.
3. SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers):
   • Services: Offers licensing and royalty collection, known for more personalized service.
   • Members: Invitation-only, includes songwriters and publishers.
4. SoundExchange:
   • Services: Collects and distributes digital performance royalties for sound recordings.
   • Members: Recording artists and record labels.

The Role of PROs in Stream Licensing

• Royalty Collection: PROs ensure that creators are compensated when their music is played publicly, including online streams.
• Licensing: They provide licenses to broadcasters, allowing them to legally use copyrighted music.
• Support and Resources: PROs offer educational resources and support to their members, helping them navigate the complexities of music rights and royalties.

By working with a PRO, you can ensure that your streaming activities are legal and that artists receive the royalties they deserve. This not only protects your content but also supports the broader music community. Once licensing is sorted, learn how to build an audience for your internet radio station.

When it comes to internet radio station licensing, you have two practical routes to stay legal.

How to Get an Internet Radio Stream License

There are straightforward ways to get licensed without dealing directly with big names like ASCAP or BMI. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Visit a Licensing Provider: Head over to ProNet Licensing.
2. Get Informed: Understand their service requirements and how to use their platform.
3. Check Hosting Reports: Ensure your hosting provider, like CastHost, gives you proper statistics reports, which are essential for licensing.
4. Sign Up: Register with the licensing provider and become a legal station with no worries.

Additional Considerations for Stream Licensing

Educational Resources: Utilize educational resources and support offered by licensing providers to stay informed about compliance and best practices in stream licensing.

International Streaming: If your stream reaches audiences in different countries, be aware that licensing requirements can vary. Make sure your license covers international listeners. For where online radio is headed on the road, see the future of in‑car entertainment.

Revenue Streams: Consider how licensing affects your revenue streams, especially if you are monetizing your content through ads, subscriptions, or donations. Proper licensing ensures you avoid legal issues that could disrupt your income.

By following these steps and securing the necessary licenses, you can confidently broadcast your content, knowing you are in full compliance with copyright laws. Ready to create your account and join our community? Click here to get registered —and see why radio stations choose CastHost.

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