Ppl &prs

Ceodoc

Hi.

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I need some advice please?

I was recently telephoned by a company called PPL.

They provide music licensing solutions.

I was quizzed over my music use in the business.

I mentioned that we listen to the radio.

Today I received 2 invoices for licences to broadcast music publicly.

I have 2 concerns, firstly that 1 of the invoices is a surcharge invoice back dated, secondly that this company is not the only 1 of its type, and that I need to register with PRS as well.

I have a small manufacturing business, the public do not listen to the radio, only the staff do.

I am inclined to switch it off.

Total bill is £132.85 (inc VAt, but we are VAt free in the C.I.'s).

I understand that radio stations pay a huge amount to these companies to broadcast music, does this not constitute a double levy?

Do I really have to pay this?
Can they surcharge me for back payments?

Thank you in advance.

Ceodoc

whitelabel

as it is broadcast to your staff, yes you have to pay

you can turn it off and not have to, but then you "may" still have to pay the back pay

Ceodoc

Thank you for the reply WL

Paddy2eyes

If you are based in the Channel Islands you may not need to pay PRS. As far as I know they have the right to collect fees in the United Kingdom, but the Channel Islands are technically not part of the UK. You may need some local advice on this.

Ceodoc

Likewise thank you for the reply Paddy.

I have started some inquiries, I will make sure to post here when I know more.

Regards,

Doc

sorryaboutmywife

PPL handle recordings, PRS handle performance and writers, they are the collecting societies. Have a look at their websites as your question (apart from the regional bit) is pretty common and they should have an FAQ.