Licenced Music On Hold

Licenced Music On Hold

Imagine this setting: You are calling for a customer service hotline. After a few seconds, a customer service representative answers your call. You tell her your concern and she tells you that you need to be transferred to another department. As you are being transferred, you hear recorded music. This taped, repetitive music is called Music On Hold (MOH). MOH can also be called as phone on hold or holding music. This is a custom of playing a recorded music in order to fill up the dead air that the caller can hear. If you have noticed, this is mostly experienced when someone calls for a customer service hotline or directly to a business.

Many companies choose specific music to be played as Music On Hold. They prefer certain types of music that will fit their company image. So why play music while putting the customers on hold? This will let the customers know that they are still connected on the line and that there are actions being undertaken for their concern. Also, MOH also helps in decreasing the probability of abandoned calls. MOH also lets the company save on licensing fees that would normally be payable if playing licenced music from CDs or MP3s on hold. Playing such recorded music may sound easy, but there are certain licences that companies need to attain in order for them to play MOH.

Public Performance Licence (PPL)

The Federal Copyright Act states that copyrighted materials, such as music do not need additional licences once viewed privately with family members, friends or one’s self. However, if viewed or exposed within places such as bars, schools, lodges, companies or other public places, then it should have a public performance licence. PPL protects the fees paid to the music performers (artist or band playing the music). Getting a PPL is very easy. You don’t need to go to certain stores to get one. Just fill up an application form or you can call a certain licencing company. Fees are organised depending on how big the audience is and how many times you are planning to expose the media. If found breaking this licence, you will be charged a fine of $250,000 or an imprisonment of about 5 years.

Performing Rights Society Licence (PRS)

This licence collects and allocates money for the benefits of musical composition and lyrics. This protects the fees given to the composers of the music, such as the songwriter. Applying for this licence will cost you little and fees depend on factors like the type of business you own, the size of your business or company and how you are planning to use the music. Non-PRS holders who are illegally playing certain music shall be ordered by the law to stop and close the business. Also a cost of almost $3,500 should be paid.

No matter how much you pay for every licence, remember that good music reflects a good company. So always choose a music arrangement that suits your business, employees and customers or audience.

Photo by Finding Josephine

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