Pay the Fees or Block US Listeners

Starting with January 1st, 2016, small broadcasters no longer benefit from the discounted licensing fee schedule from SoundExchange. Your options are to follow the new schedule (described below) or to completely block US listeners.

If you are a Server Room account holder, you can request to block all US listeners. We can also guide you to getting your station legal, by acquiring the appropriate licenses. New customers, call or chat with us for a free consultation.

***Worship Broadcasters, please scroll to bottom***

Royalty Fees for Internet Broadcasters

If you are broadcasting licensed music online, you must pay royalty fees for your listeners based in the United States. These fees are paid directly to the three US-based Performance Right Organizations, BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. In addition, a recording performance license is required from SoundExchange.

To sum it all up, you must be licensed by BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and SoundExchange to legally broadcast online through your website or mobile app.

An internet radio station with no revenue and minimal yearly impressions will have to pay a minimum upfront fee of $1492 to get licensed by all 4 entities above. The upfront fee is used as credit towards your accruing royalty fees. Additional fees may be due depending on your gross revenue and impressions on your website.

You can estimate your royalty fees for 2020 from the schedule below.

Reporting

BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and SoundExchange may require monthly or quarterly reports for gross revenue and or the number of impressions. Server Room provides the monthly royalty reports required, however financial reports must be provided by your organization.