[BC] Music In Commercials

[Douglas Pritchett]

On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:01 AM, Paul B. Walker, Jr.
<walkerbroadcasting at gmail.com> wrote:
> I was pretty sure that it wasn't legal to use actual entire songs in commercials. I listen
> to one station all the time that uses actual, extended clips of songs in their 30 ans 60
> second spots.
>
> What exactly are the rules behind the use of music/songs in commercials?
>
> Paul
>

I'm not sure if the word "legal" is correct, but to answer your
question, it's a no-no. While the station is allowed to play the song
on the air, putting it under a commercial changes the terms of use.
Some publishers may allow you to "license" the use of the work in a
commercial or other presentation, but they will most always demand
money. Also, licensing fees vary widely. Some rights holders will ask
for a nominal ($500) fee for a defined length of time, others will ask
for 100 times that.
A local station got into trouble using the Beatles classic "Tax Man"
for a local accountant's advertising during tax season. The station
and client received a very stern "cease and desist" letter from the
rights holder's attorney.
-- 
Douglas B. Pritchett
radiofool at gmail.com