Internet radio is a digital service that broadcasts continuous audio programming (not on demand) over the Internet or other similar computer networks, whether interactive or otherwise. Internet radio stations are different from commercial radio stations, which are licensed by the CRTC and broadcast simultaneously over a network of terrestrial radio stations, from community radio stations, and from non-subscription audio-on-demand streaming (e.g. on-demand services such as Poste d’écoute.ca).

In particular, an interactive Internet radio service enables users to customize the content they receive, to vote for their favourite music and to select various musical styles. Examples of interactive Internet radio include Espace Musique’s classical music webradio station and Iceberg Radio.

What rights does this license authorize?

The license authorizes users to:

• Encode or digitize musical works from SODRAC’s repertoire for the purposes described below.
• Reproduce these works for preservation or hosting purposes in connection with free or pay continuous Internet broadcast services, whether interactive or not (on-demand services are not included and downloading is not permitted).
• Reproduce the titles of musical works and the names of composers/songwriters when the works are broadcast.

How to obtain a license

Licenses are issued once the applicable royalties have been paid. To obtain a license, please complete and return the application form. Once your application has been processed, SODRAC will contact you about issuing the license.

For further information, please contact the head of the Audiovisual Department by calling (514) 845-3268, ext. 227 or emailing licenceaudiovisual@sodrac.ca.

Royalties

• Interactive service: 5.9% of the following amounts, whichever is higher: gross revenues from Internet radio operations; gross operating expenses attributable to Internet radio; or $227 per month.
• Non-interactive service: 4.5% of the following amounts, whichever is higher: gross revenues from Internet radio operations; gross operating expenses attributable to Internet radio; or $180 per month.