Just as it is with Messages-on-Hold (MOH) service, Overhead Music (OHM) is also subject to licensing in accordance with ASCAP and BMI. Unlicensed re-broadcast is a major no-no and subject to costly fines for violating established music rights and royalties. And that goes for both MOH and Overhead Music.
While audio for on-hold use is produced specifically for a certain type of hardware and phone system, the ability to stream music for internal overhead systems is a bit more open. Some business owners and managers even stream their own personal subscription service for playback in-store. This too is a violation with potentially hefty fines. Just remember that personal licenses do not extend to broadcast in one’s business!
The Cost-Effective, No-Hassle IAP Remedy
Overhead Music with IAP offers a simple solution to the legal question. It’s much cheaper to subscribe with us because everything IAP produces comes with proper licensing for our customers. Our overhead music system features 90+ channels covering a giant range of genres and selections. User-friendly controls make the options even easier to manage with flexibility to switch things up at various points of the day/night. That’s a choice you DON’T get with personal streaming services.
Here’s something else you may not know. If you modify a mainstream song with a voiceover, multiple licenses and steep fees are required. With IAP’s streaming channels, the cost is less than $1 a day!
Another huge advantage of IAP overhead music is the capability to include scheduled, pre-produced announcements. These messages can range from informational to promotional, and they can also serve to entertain with trivia or a comedic edge. Overhead messages are also great for seasonal and holiday verbiage. Programming at certain intervals is a simple process and announcements can also be played instantly on demand! Multi-lingual options are available too.
Flexible, cost-effective Overhead Music with IAP is your best option.
ASCAP and BMI Penalties
ASCAP and BMI are the two major governing bodies responsible for music copyright oversight. Both share the same goal: making sure musicians are rightfully paid for their work when rebroadcast for business use. The penalties for violations can be severe to a somewhat surprising extent!
In terms of dollars, ASCAP copyright violations can result in fines ranging from $750 to $30,000 per song, plus court costs. Such charges are also dependent on the size and type of the business, and whether the music is being used live, recorded, or in an audio/visual mode. Restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels could ostensibly pay more than a small professional office, for example.
BMI fines can be even more brutal. If a proprietor is found to be knowingly breaking the law, “willful” violations can reach as much as $150,000! The court may order the losing party to pay for the other’s legal fees. $750 fines could be imposed for each unauthorized playback, and consequences can go beyond punitive monetary measures too. Copyright holders can take legal action…and businesses guilty of repeat violations can be forced to close!
Case Story
Owners of Vazzy’s Cucina in Shelton, Connecticut discovered the downside the hard way a few years ago. A BMI fine of $18,000 was levied just for playing nine songs considered re-broadcast without proper licensing. One co-owner believed his Muzak and cable subscriptions provided adequate protection, then realized that the coverage didn’t apply. Rather than prolong a costly court battle, the restaurant ate the 18K.
Three other Connecticut restaurants were called out and they chose court battles. At least eight others settled with BMI or lost judgements. It happens more frequently than you might imagine!
Making a Positive Impact with OHM from IAP
Even without the daunting costs of copyright violations, choosing Overhead Music service with Illinois Audio Productions gives business and office managers much more selection and flexibility. For example, you can select different tracks from separate genres for a more customized music mix, as opposed to the random nature of an illicit streaming channel.
Just to give you an idea, music genres cover the broad appeal of jazz, rock, country, classical, and rhythm-and-blues. For more specific demographics, the unique sound of world music or IAP’s popular singer-songwriter categories may be the most suitable. Collections are also available with titles like Contemporary Brew for coffee shops and Retro Range for retro diners.
Sending the Right Message
The biggest value of IAP’s Overhead Music service over personal streaming services might be the ability to add custom messages. Our copywriters can develop a script of short, punch announcements and you can have them spread out at intervals you choose. Got the content and not sure how to phrase it? Just leave it to us. We’ll help make sure your message is clear, whether promoting a contest, money-saving special, future event, or cross-promotion.
Easy Programming
In addition to determining music intervals between messages, Overhead Music is also easy to program. One popular feature is the flexible Day Part Scheduling, where different music styles can be programmed to switch at predetermined settings. Touch controls simplify the process, as if you’re creating your own on-site radio station without the annoying DJs!
Another plus? In case of a power hiccup or internet outage, an Auto Play feature keeps fallback music tracks playing. And for those who prefer a more hands-off approach, IAP’s friendly professionals can take care of the setup.
Ask the Experts at IAP
If you find re-broadcast and copyright infringement daunting and/or confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to an IAP representative. We’re well-versed in the dos and don’ts of music licensing and how it applies for overhead applications. Sign with us and you not only save money, but you also get peace-of-mind and the capability to play custom messages. The decision is an easy one!
Reach out to the pros at info@illinoisaudio.com or 1-630-552-9600 and see how IAP Overhead Music & Messaging makes a difference. Your customers will appreciate it!