Who this licence is for
- Commercial radio stations broadcasting on AM/FM
- DAB radio station
- Satellite radio stations
- Cable radio stations
How to apply
Complete the correct online application form for your radio station -
PRS licence fees for commercial analogue radio stations
PRS Licence Fee (1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012)
|
Less than £627,540 |
3% |
|
Between £627,541 and £1,255,080 |
4% |
|
or more £1,255,081 |
5.25% |
|
Subject to the annual minimum fee, where the total music use is less than 15% of total broadcast time, and regardless of the NBR level, the percentage rate will be |
1% |
The NBR bands and minimum royalty are adjusted yearly, from 1 October, by reference to inflation (RPI).
All fees quoted are subject to VAT.
PRS licence fees for DAB, satellite and cable stations
PRS Licence Fee (1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012)
|
Less than £22,238 |
£667 Non-returnable Minimum Fee |
|
Between £22,238 and £627,540 |
3% |
|
Between £627,541 and £1,255,080 |
4% |
|
or more £1,255,081 |
5.25% |
|
Subject to the annual minimum fee, where the total music use is less than 15% of the total broadcast time, and regardless of the level of the NBR level, the percentage rate will be |
1% |
The licence fee will be based on a percentage of Net Broadcasting Revenue (NBR), subject to a minimum royalty fee.
The NBR bands and minimum royalty are adjusted yearly, from 1 October, by reference to inflation (RPI).
All fees quoted are subject to VAT.
Important information for all commercial radio stations
MCPS licence fee
All radio stations that are members of the RadioCentre (previously CRCA) are covered by the MCPS/RadioCentre agreement.
Non-RadioCentre radio stations will require clearance from MCPS directly. However, this clearance scheme is under review and details will be provided in due course. For more information, please contact radiolicensing@prsformusic.com
How to make payment
All licensees must pay by direct debit.
If your licence fee is based on a percentage of revenue, direct debit collection will happen monthly.
If your licence fee is based on the annual minimum royalty of £667, direct debit collection will happen quarterly. This also applies to the MCPS fee.
Radio stations must submit an NBR report at the end of the licence year, detailing the relevant revenue earned in the period. If the actual NBR submitted at the end of the licence year is greater than the estimated NBR given at the start of the year, the radio station could be eligible to pay a higher royalty fee and would need to settle the balance. Likewise, if the actual NBR is less than previously estimated, we will refund the difference. Please note this does not apply to those stations paying the minimum royalty fee.
Test transmissions
Test transmissions are not covered by your Commercial Radio Licence. For this you will need an additional licence. Please email radiolicensing@prsformusic.com for more details.
Music returns
During the sample dates or census periods, all commercial radio licensees need to report the following music usages:
- Music
- Idents (including beds, jingles, FX, promos)
- Adverts
Reporting should be supplied to us within 35 days of each sample date or census period and should include: song title, composer, publisher, artist and duration.
Licensees should use the following reporting formats - Format 5, Format 303, Selector, Radio Generic (Excel based), and preferred delivery methods include email and FTP. We offer extensive help and guidance on these issues. Please contact musicreporting@prsformusic.com for more information.
If you have any further questions, please email radiolicensing@prsformusic.com