|
Record labels are attempting greater asset protection by clamping down on SMEs that broadcast their music.
Falling CD sales have hit many record labels hard - and the big names are trying to recoup their losses by issuing thousands of businesses with broadcast licenses.
Under company legislation, any business that plays music in commercial location - including hairdressers, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and aerobics teachers - have to pay for the privilege.
This includes the playing of songs on the radio and is on top of fees already paid by television channels and commercial radio stations.
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) is in charge of distributing licenses and collecting the fees from commercial locations where music is played. PPL represents around 3,500 record companies.
In the past year, PPL has sent staff out on more than 10,000 visits to public places where music is played to ensure the businesses involved hold the correct licenses.
Over 250,000 UK businesses should have a license and prices start at around £70 per year.
In recent years it has become increasingly easy for consumers to access music via web download sites. This is the most significant factor that has led to a drop in the CD sales of record companies all over the world.
See copyright notice
| Other
Top Business News Stories |
|
Business
News 
