The SESAC license authorizes the playing or performing of all songs in its collection as many times and as often as wanted with one single license. This is called a “blanket license,” so named for its broad coverage.

A blanket license makes it possible for radio and television stations, DJs, musicians, and public businesses to play music without having to acquire rights each time they play a song. The blanket license makes the playing of music easy and convenient, as well as economical, in the U.S.

Questions may remain: Is a blanket licenses needed by the owner of a club if a DJ or a band has obtained a blanket license and is playing music in that club? Is a blanket license needed by a restaurant if recorded music is played in the restaurant? The answer to both is, “Yes.” Owners and operators of businesses that provide music must obtain authorization to use the music played in their establishments. SESAC licenses grant the right to use copyrighted works, and the organization collects and distributes royalties to its member songwriters, publishers, composers, and copyright holders.

When you hear music in an elevator, a retail store, a resort, a health club, an amusement park, a baseball stadium, a convention center, a dance hall, a shopping mall, or any public space, the establishment owner should have procured a license from the SESAC to do so. A public performer singing or playing any piece of music should possess a SESAC license to do so. Playing or performing copyrighted SESAC music without permission could result in fines of $150,000 for each song performed.

It is worth noting that fees vary according to the establishment, and private use of privately owned recorded music on CD, DVD, tape, or disk in a non-public setting requires no blanket license, of course.

The blanket license gives free access to music users without extensive, long-term planning. A blanket license grants permission of holders of copyrights, composers, songwriters, and publishers all in one fell swoop. There is no negotiation necessary, and licensing becomes a snap. Pay the fee, get the license, and play – or sing – away!

This article provides an overview of the term blanket license. If you would like to submit an article about blanket license or any other music-related subject, please feel free to do so here at Media Positive Radio.