Two UK licensing groups offer joint option for community radio

UK music licensing groups PRS for Music and PPL have launched a joint license for the UK’s non-profit radio stations. The joint effort took effect on Jan. 1, 2017. PPL will administer the license on behalf of both groups.

The joint license covers stations’ AM or FM broadcasts, as well as granting optional rights to license Internet simulcasts and small-scale DAB simulcasts. Any community radio stations licensed by Ofcom can take advantage of this new option by applying on PPL’s website. According to Jez Bell, PPL’s chief licensing officer, about 240 on-air community stations will benefit from the new joint option.