ONEMUSIC AUSTRALIA AND CHANGES TO MUSIC LICENSING FOR BUSINESS
Here comes OneMusic Australia: This update to music licensing is about to hit every business, big and small. It’s a significant change to the landscape and comes into effect on July 1, 2019 so if you use music in any capacity you need to be ready.
What is it?
OneMusic Australia (OMA) is a joint branding venture between APRA AMCOS and PPCA, the two collection societies for music in this country.
Up ‘til now, you would have purchased two music licences to be compliant with Australian law – one through APRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) and one through PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia – which covers the rights to the sound recordings).
From July 1, with the creation and implementation of OneMusic, you will only need one licence to cover both, effectively a one-stop shop for music licensing for business in Australia. It will be simpler, but it also means the licensing schemes and tariffs that apply across all industry will change.
How will it affect you?
If you have recently paid your APRA and PPCA fees, those contracts will extend past the introduction of OneMusic and run through to their end date. In this case, there is nothing you need to do now.
If your contract is due for renewal after July 1, it will fall under OneMusic Australia and there may be changes to your fees.
The reality is some businesses will pay less and some will pay more.
Tips to help you navigate the new music frontier
Pubs
While this scheme is yet to be finalised, early indications show that the foundation licence incorporates all background uses and the metric that moves you up and down in the scheme is based on broadcast TV screens.
Also, all other feature uses (live, DJs, Nightclub etc) will remain the same until July next year so keep an eye out for that consultation process. Remember to stay in touch with your local state AHA representatives for more information.
Clubs
This licensing scheme is yet to be finalised so stay tuned. Keep in touch with your state Club association for more information.
Fitness
The fitness scheme was one of the first ones to be finalised so be sure to review your group fitness policy as class numbers will have an impact on your licence fees. Fitness Australia will have more information.
Restaurants
One of the real winners in the new scheme, as most restaurants that have been paying licence fees under the old scheme will see reductions to their bottom line. Your local Restaurant and Caterers Association will have more information.
Amusements / Retail
Very similar metric to the previous scheme and based on floor space. Make sure you do the calculations and compare to your last invoices as this one now allows for the inclusion of a PPCA fee using the same APRA retail metrics.
Hotels
Keep an eye out for the impact of functions and events for your hotels as this has seen a change with the amalgamation of the two licences, now providing for PPCA’s fee where they previously didn’t have a Functions tariff. Again consult your relevant Hotels Association for more information.
Can consumer streaming services be used?
Consumer streaming services are designed and licensed for private use. By using these in a business or public setting, you could be putting your business at risk. We would recommend getting legal advice specific to your situation.
For licensing enquiries and advice, we would recommend speaking with your industry association or relevant member body.
