Radio music on hold.

I was recently informed that playing the radio as your on "hold" background music is a copyright violation. Is that right?

To my knowledge, playing music over a workplace telephone system qualifies as a "public performance" and would require a license [permission].

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilbert

To my knowledge, playing music over a workplace telephone system qualifies as a "public performance" and would require a license [permission].

That is my understanding. I've never heard of anyone being prosectured but that doesn't mean it's okay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

I was recently informed that playing the radio as your on "hold" background music is a copyright violation. Is that right?

That is my understanding too.

Thanks for the responses. I've been checking and it appears that everybody knew about this but me. I learn something new every day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

Thanks for the responses. I've been checking and it appears that everybody knew about this but me.

I learn something new every day.

LOL We never stop learning and if you wanna learn alot then stick to this forum

and stay tuned

ASCAP, the Society of Composers Authors and Publishers is the single largest user of the federal court system. They jump at the chance to sue anyone that does anything to a radio (like hook up an extra speaker or run a wire to a phone system) other than turn it on.

It is legal to play a radio in your business. But not to pipe it in your PA system. The lastest ruling said a radio could have no more than 2 speakers.

Music on hold should be royaly free and that is easy to find, but most importantly, music on hold should bridge a gap between mini commercials touting the benefits of the company called.

They have to have that phone in their ear waiting for you so sell 'em something.

BIG Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

ASCAP, the Society of Composers Authors and Publishers is the single largest user of the federal court system. They jump at the chance to sue anyone that does anything to a radio (like hook up an extra speaker or run a wire to a phone system) other than turn it on.

It is legal to play a radio in your business. But not to pipe it in your PA system. The lastest ruling said a radio could have no more than 2 speakers.

Music on hold should be royaly free and that is easy to find, but most importantly, music on hold should bridge a gap between mini commercials touting the benefits of the company called.

They have to have that phone in their ear waiting for you so sell 'em something.

BIG Mike

That's great information BIG Mike. Where can royalty free music be found?

Royalty free music does not mean free music. Any search of Google for Royalty Free Music will yeald hundreds of places that sell music for one time price, never pay again, ASCAP free.

Since music on hold should only be short snippets (15 seconds at best) you don't have to spring for whole songs. You should be able to get a nice collection for $25-$50 bucks.

If you go with a professional music on hold outfit, they have the music available.

You might also ask a friend with a piano or such to do a few bars of his own music for you, and record it. We did a radio commercial once with banjo music in the background composed and played by the hardware store owner.

BIG Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

We did a radio commercial once with banjo music in the background composed and played by the hardware store owner.

BIG Mike

OK, Big Mike. Any one who can turn a banjo-playing hardware man into an effective promotion has got my ear. I just signed up for your newsletter.

Radio music on hold.

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