1. Regulation and its impact on content.
Within this document, I will be writing about copyright within in Media; I will include the
companies that are responsible for looking after this and what it is there for. I shall write
about how it can benefit producers and also artists. I will also talk about the consequences
that may happen if you don’t abide by the copyright rules.
Music copyright enables composers, recording artists and other people involved in the
music industry to be recognised and paid for their work. Having your music copyrighted
means that it cannot broadcasted without them getting your permission. This also works the
other way around, meaning you cannot play other people’s music without their permission
either.
Composers and musicians get paid when their music is used, which is called royalties. PRS
for Music and PPL are the 2 organisations who manage these payments. PRS for music look
after song writers, composers and publishers, whereas PPL look after those who record the
music. Anyone who wants to play music in public are required to pau for two licenses, 1 to
each company. Both of the companies are non-profitable. PRS and PPL can only assure the
right people get paid the correct amount is if everyone reports the music they use. Many
people still illegally download music even though the copyright rule should be abided by.
Every time somebody illegally downloads, this means the artist and composer loses out on
its royalties.
PRS is the home of PRS and MCPS, representing the rights of over 125,000 people. They
license organisations to play, perform or make available copyright music on behalf of their
members and those of overseas societies. This means they distribute the royalties fairly and
efficiently.
PRS for music and PPL represent thousands of artists, and can provide the clearance needed
to use certain pieces of music. You have to go to the composer or record label directly to ask
for their permission if they are not represented by either of these companies. Larger
companies such as the BBC have to pay yearly fees to PRS for music which allows them to
use PRS managed music, without having to obtain a license every single time they want to
do it. This is called blanket license agreement.
Most larger companies have a department to specifically deal with music clearance. They
deal with the publisher of PRS for music in name of you; if not you will have to do it yourself.
Just because you ask for permission doesn’t necessarily mean you will get that permission.
Companies or artists can turn you down. If the ownership of the music changes, you will
have to get permission again from the new owners.
Another term for paying for your music is reporting it. Everybody is required to fill in a cue
sheet, that will eventually end up in the hands of PRS and PPL. Without obtaining clearance,
you may face legal action for copyright infringement, this will make you liable and result in
you having to pay damage and costs.
