Online radio - Leagl issues of playing songs?

Question

Hi, if I was to start an online radio station, what are the Legal issues of playing copyrighted songs (only being streamed).

Answer 1

you have to pay two entities, one is soundexchange (on behalf of riaa - the labels) and then also prs (performing rights societies) that would be ascap and bmi (sesac too sort of).  best to go with live 365 or something like that.,

Answer 2

Lare's right. Soundscan will get you if you don't watch out! I have a friend with a professional country stream. #1 in national US hits and he may have to drop it becaus of the tariff. It's very expesive - not for the faint of heart - or broke ;<)

-a guy named duh

Answer 3

you will need to pay royalty both for the composition and the recording. RIAA collects for the recording and requires a minimum of $500 up-front and a very extensive requirement for records which include info on every listner of every play. I believe that ASCAP/BMI exempts small non-profit stations from performance royalty, but check their websites to be certain.