Why Your Online Radio Station May Need a Music Licence
If your online radio station plays copyrighted music, you may need the correct music licences before broadcasting. A streaming server or radio hosting account only provides the technical service; it does not automatically include permission to use music. In the UK, stations commonly need to check requirements with PRS for Music and PPL, because different rights can apply to songs, recordings, performers, and publishers. The exact licence depends on how you broadcast, your audience, territory, revenue, and whether the service is online-only or a simulcast. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Before going live with commercial music, contact the relevant licensing bodies, explain your station setup, and keep written confirmation of what licence you need. If you only use royalty-free or directly licensed music, keep records of those permissions.