A. Yes. If you wish to keep your stations available to all listeners, this fee is applicable on a per-station basis, not per broadcaster.

Q. I play independent artists and/or I have a talk broadcast. Why should I have to pay this fee?

A. This fee is not just for the payment of royalties; it's for Live365 to be able to continue offering low-cost broadcasting. Part of this fee will go towards the royalties but some will also cover the legal fees and other expenses incurred by Live365 in order to keep this platform available to all.

Q. I live overseas, and already pay artists fees. Why should I have to pay this one?

A. The Royalty Administration Fee goes beyond royalties. This fee will go towards the administration and legal expenses as well as the royalties to artists.

Also, remember there are two kinds of royalties: Songwriters royalties (a.k.a. BMI, ASCAP and SESAC) and Performance royalties.

Live365 is responsible for both in the case of Personal Broadcasters. If you think you're already paying Performance Royalties, you should provide documentation of your payment to legal@live365.com.

Q. Are there any exceptions, or do all stations have to pay this fee?

A. All stations have to pay the fee to continue broadcasting to all listeners. However, some Founding Broadcasters chose not to pay the fee. Those stations are still available to Preferred Members. (More info)

Q. Who pays the royalties for those who chose not to pay the royalty fee?

A. Live365 will use the money from its Preferred Membership subscriptions to pay the royalties incurred by these stations.

Q. Where can I learn more about how these fees will be distributed?

A. Check the SoundExchange site for a breakdown.

Q. Why can't I receive revenue in conjunction with my broadcast?

A. The reason you can't derive revenue directly for your streams is not because we're trying to be difficult. Live365 operates under the compulsory license created by the DMCA. That stipulates that we pay royalties to ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (and now SoundExchange) for the use of the music. PRO broadcasters pay their own. If you're deriving your own "benefits" from the use of this music - either via revenue through direct links to CD sales, or by not linking via Live365-sanctioned means - they expect a cut. If we're deriving the revenue (in advertising, or subscriptions, etc) we cover those royalties for you.

That said, Live365 recently implemented a revenue-sharing plan that rewards Premium Broadcasters with credits that reduce the cost of broadcasting. (More info).

Q. How is the RAF charged?

Just like Broadcasting Packages, the RAF is pro-rated for the remainder of the current month. Your first billing statement will reflect this pro-rated amount, plus the next full month.

For example, if you sign up for Premium Broadcasting Package on 15 July, your statement will show:

$2.50 July RAF (since you're signing up in the middle of the month, you only pay half)

$5.00 August RAF (You will be paid up through the end of August

$7.48 July Premium Broadcasting Package (half a month's worth)

$14.95 August Premium Broadcasting Package (Through the end of August)

Your card will be charged on July 15, your statement will appear on the first of August, and you won't be billed again until the 1st of September.

Q. I have more than one station. Can I pay for multiple stations at once, or do I need to manage them separately?

A. You can. Choose the "Quick Pay" option on the check out form.

Last Updated: November 5, 2002