Before recording the music off of the radio, or use that professionally recorded CD, or even simply connect a radio for your on hold messaging content, you need to understand the law. This is not all that simple, licensing will be needed, or you could find yourself in an unnecessary lawsuit. We have some tips on what you can and cannot do. Basic reason behind the licensing of playing music - from any source, even from the radio, is simply because they who either made it, wrote it, or played it are entitled to any financial gain that can be made from their work. Simply, if you make it, it is yours, and you are entitled to do with it what you want, and not anybody else without your express permission. It holds true in just about every area of work, art, or life - unless you are under the employ of another for that work. We all know it is true that some would disagree with this - at least in some aspects of it.

This is no time to debate that issue in this article, playing a CD from your favorite artist, or connecting the radio is legally considered broadcasting and like all broadcasters, you'll need a license to broadcast, and you'll need permission to broadcast licensed content like your favorite song from your favorite artist. While you buy that pre-recorded CD in the store, or download a legal MP3 file such as those sold, it only gives you the right permission, or license to enjoy private listening. And if you in any way want to play it for the benefit of others, other than your immediate friends and family members, then that is considered broadcasting. By playing the music in a restaurant, bar, office, store, or putting it onto an on hold messaging machine requires a license.

We see there are three large companies in the world, who are the regulators of ensuring that musicians and artists receive their fair share. The Licenses need to be obtained from them - depending on the songs played. And when you have a professional audio marketing company create your on hold message production, you are usually given a license for the music that is contained in your production. Our on hold provider will include paying the license fees as part of their overall package. The license is generally only valid for the one production it is used on. The second production, using the same music would require a second payment for a second license. And there is no need to worry, your on hold provider already knows this and it will be included in their price in their products.