Use of Radios, Televisions, and Music in Common Areas
Federal law provides that music used in a commercial setting requires a license to protect the integrity of the copyright. Most music copyrights are represented by one of four different companies that license the music. These are: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and Global Music Rights. Use of music can come in several different forms: music on hold for telephones, music “piped” into common areas through a speaker system, music on either radio or television, internal music systems, etc. Use of music in any means for the purpose of “entertaining” either current tenants or prospective tenants requires an appropriate license or a well-thought out exemption from the license.