What every broadcaster should know to protect themselves and their online radio station in the US and UK
If you stream radio online - especially if you use copyrighted music - you’re expected to follow the licensing rules in your country. Getting it wrong can land you in legal trouble, but understanding the basics is easier than you might think. Below is a clear breakdown of how music licensing works in both the USA and the UK so you can broadcast safely and confidently.
Note: This overview is for guidance only. Always speak directly with official licensing bodies or a qualified professional for formal advice. Other countries outside of the USA and UK will have their own rules and regulations, so please check with your local authorities.
Disclaimer:
Stream Audio does not supply licensing services. We advise you to consult qualified professionals or the appropriate authorities in your country for accurate guidance on copyright and licensing. The information provided here is not legal advice, but a starting point to help direct you to the correct resources.
Why Licensing Matters
Online radio is classed as a public performance in many regions. That means your station needs the appropriate licences so artists, composers, and rights holders are fairly compensated. The exact licences you need depend on where your station operates and who can listen.
If you're brand new to radio and want tailored help, it’s always worth speaking to a specialist.
Licensing in the United States
The US uses a statutory licensing system for non-interactive streams - essentially stations where listeners can’t pick tracks or skip ahead. Four main organisations manage royalties:
ASCAP – American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
BMI – Broadcast Music Inc.
SESAC – Society of European Stage Authors and Composers
These three are Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). They collect royalties for the public performance of music - whether that’s on radio, in shops and bars, or in any business that plays music publicly.
In simple terms, they act as a bridge between music creators and broadcasters, ensuring songwriters get paid when their music is used.
SoundExchange
SoundExchange is different. It focuses specifically on digital public performances, meaning internet radio and other online audio streams. If your broadcasts go out online, SoundExchange is usually the organisation you’ll deal with.
Licensing in the United Kingdom
The UK takes a more straightforward approach. Instead of calculating costs based on usage, most fees are fixed, and two main bodies handle the licensing:
PPL – Phonographic Performance Limited
Represents record labels and collects royalties for the use of recorded music.
PRS – Performing Rights Society
Looks after composers, lyricists, and publishers, collecting royalties for the underlying musical works.
Although they work side-by-side, each organisation protects a different type of copyright, so many broadcasters need both.
Which licences do online stations need?
If your station streams music online in the UK, you’ll typically need:
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PRS LOML (Limited Online Music Licence)
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PPL Small Webcaster Licence
Both are annual blanket licences that cover music usage on internet radio. If your station only airs talk content or copyright-free music, you may not need them at all.
When unsure, contact PPL or PRS directly - they’re used to helping new broadcasters figure out what applies to them.
Restricting Listener Access (Geo-Protection)
Some licences only cover certain regions. To avoid unwanted listeners from outside your licensed territory, geo-blocking can help.
Panels like MediaCP or Everest Panel offer built-in geo-protection where you can allow or block certain countries.
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Allowing a list means everyone else is blocked.
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Blocking a list means only selected countries are restricted.
This can be essential if your licence limits your audience to a specific territory.
Broadcast with Confidence
Licensing may not be the most exciting part of running a station, but it’s a vital one. With the right licences in place, you’re free to focus on growing your audience, improving your shows, and developing your brand.
If you’d like personalised guidance - whether that’s understanding which licences apply to you, choosing equipment for live callers, or getting support with station promotion - radio specialists are always available to help.
