Online & mobile television channels

Television programmes including sound recordings or music videos which are delivered as part of a linear television channel online or via mobile telephony require a licence either from the copyright owner (usually a record company) or from PPL (sound recordings) or VPL (music videos).

The PPL and VPL licences cover both the simulcast of a traditionally broadcast television channel and a channel solely distributed online or via mobile telephony.

Currently such licences are usually issued on a short term (12 month) basis with a non-precedential fee structure.  Service providers should contact the PPL/VPL broadcasting team for licensing advice.

Reporting requirements of the licences include details of each sound recording or music video used and the aggregate streaming hours of the channel.

As a guide, such licences are usually subject to the following restrictions:

• transmission from and reception within the UK only
• excludes usage in advertisements, signature tunes and station identity signals
• excludes re-mixing or editing of the sound and / or vision other than transmitting less than the full track