Broadcasting rights for music on a web radio.

Broadcasting Rights for Music on a Web Radio Station

Broadcasting rights for music on a web radio station can be a complex subject, as they depend on several factors such as geography, the size of the web radio station, and the contracts signed with the various rights holders. In this article, I will therefore attempt to provide an overview of the main types of broadcasting rights that must be paid for music on a web radio station.

1. Copyright
Copyright is the exclusive right granted to authors, composers, and music publishers to protect their work. In the context of web radio, copyright applies to the music played on the station, whether recorded or broadcast live.
Web radio stations must pay royalties to the rights holders for each song played on their station. These royalties are generally paid to collective rights management organizations such as SACEM in France, SABAM in Belgium, or SUISA in Switzerland. Rates vary depending on the size of the web radio station, the number of listeners, and the number of songs broadcast.

2. Neighboring Rights
Neighboring rights are rights granted to performing artists and phonogram producers for the public broadcast of their sound recordings. Web radio stations must pay neighboring rights fees to the rights holders for each recording broadcast on their station.
These fees are generally paid to collective management organizations for neighboring rights, such as SCPP in France, SIMIM in Belgium, or SWISSPERFORM in Switzerland. Rates vary depending on the size of the web radio station, the number of listeners, and the number of recordings broadcast.

3. Mechanical Reproduction Rights
Mechanical reproduction rights are rights granted to copyright holders and phonogram producers for the reproduction of sound recordings. Web radio stations must pay mechanical reproduction rights to the rights holders for each recording broadcast on their station. These rights are generally paid to collective management organizations for mechanical reproduction rights, such as SDRM in France, SIMIM in Belgium, or SWISSPERFORM in Switzerland. Rates vary depending on the size of the web radio station, the number of listeners, and the number of recordings broadcast.

4. Synchronization Rights
Synchronization rights are rights granted to copyright holders for the use of music in audiovisual productions such as films, commercials, television programs, etc. Web radio stations must pay synchronization rights to the rights holders for each use of music in their audiovisual productions.
These rights are generally negotiated directly with the rights holders or their agents, and rates vary depending on the intended use of the music, the duration of use, the size of the audience, and the artist's reputation.

5. Rights