Independent Production Companies (IPC) licence
Who needs this licence
Independent Production Companies (IPCs) that make TV programmes for UK broadcasters, including Channel 4 and Channel 5.
What this licence covers
The copying of members’ music into TV programmes for broadcast in the UK.
The IPC licence excludes certain works which can be found on the list below. These works need to be cleared directly with the publishers.
2018/19 licence fees for commercial music
Commissioning Channel |
Number of initial broadcasts |
Use rate (per 30 seconds) |
Each additional broadcast charge as a percentage of 'use rate' |
|---|---|---|---|
BBC1/ITV1 |
2 |
£196 |
50% |
Channel 4/BBC2 |
2 |
£133 |
50% |
Channel 5 |
2 |
£101 |
50% |
E4/More4/BBC4/ |
Up to 2 broadcasts on each o 8 different play weeks |
£98 |
100% |
5*/5USA/ |
Up to 2 broadcasts on each of 8 different play weeks |
£82 |
100% |
5*/5USA/ 5Spike/5SELECT |
Up to 2 broadcasts on each of 8 different play weeks | £82 | Charged at full use rate |
5*/5USA/ 5Spike/5SELECT |
Up to 2 broacasts on each of 8 different play weeks, following the first 16 broadcast weeks |
£42 |
100% |
| Other satellite/digital terrestrial channels | Up to 2 broadcasts on each of 8 different play weeks | £80 |
100% |
2018/19 licence fees for MCPS Production Music
Licence category |
Worldwide (all media) |
Worldwide excl. UK (all media) |
UK (all media) |
|---|---|---|---|
Single cue |
£74 |
£37 |
£37 |
Single track |
£159 |
£80 |
£80 |
Single production |
£582 |
£291 |
£291 |
Single series (up to any 8 productions) |
£2,000 |
£1,000 |
£1,000 |
Annual deal - single IPC |
From £5,000 |
From £2,500 |
From £2,500 |
Annual deal - group IPC |
By negotiation: Call +44 (0)20 3741 4101 |
By negotiation: Call +44 (0)20 3741 4101 |
By negotiation: Call +44 (0)20 3741 4101 |
MCPS Production Music Notes
- Aggregation is permitted on all per 30 second rates. Aggregation allows various music cues to be added together to produce a cumulative total.
- If you are making a TV programme promo please call +44 (0)20 3741 3888 for a quote.
- Productions are covered in perpetuity.
- Radio, public location and theatrical uses are excluded from IPC rates.
Apply for a licence
Please complete the application form and email to tvprogrammes@prsformusic.com or post to the following address:
Broadcast Licensing
PRS for Music
2 Pancras Square
London
N1C 4AG
Once we have received your application, we will assign you an account manager, who will be in contact to set up your licence. For further information please contact the IPC team on +44 (0)20 3741 4101.
N.B. You will need to submit cuesheets within 14 days of delivering your production to the broadcaster.