Low Power FM

The OneMusic Low Power FM broadcast licence gives Low Power FM radio stations access to a world-wide repertoire of music of over 5,000,000 songs from around the world.

Low Power FM broadcasters are broadcasting services whose reception is limited by transmission power (under 1 watt) and reception area. These services can be received on standard radio sets but according to MBIE specifications are available on guard band frequencies only. The Low Power FM licence is for non-commercial stations that use advertising for cost recovery purposes only. The licence allows for limited revenue collection by the broadcaster - up to $10,000 per year.

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A non-commercial low power radio station (including any associated internet simulcast) with no Gross Advertising Revenue. $262.18 + GST per annum.

A low power radio station (including any associated internet simulcast) with less than $5,000 annual Gross Advertising Revenue. $398.52 + GST per annum.

A low power radio station (including any associated internet simulcast) with between $5,000 and $10,000 annual Gross Advertising Revenue. $587.30 + GST per annum.

The rates above apply for the period 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020

It's important to note that the OneMusic Low Power FM licence does not include the permission to reproduce music, including production music.

Why does my Low Power FM radio station need a music licence?

Under the Copyright Act (1994), when you broadcast or stream music online you need permission from music creators to use their music. The OneMusic Low Power FM licence grants stations the permission they need to broadcast virtually all music available from anywhere in the world.

I have paid for the music I play, so why do I need a licence?

Buying music does not grant you the right to publically broadcast music. Music is sold for private/domestic use, broadcasting or streaming music to your listeners requires permission from the rights holders (a licence).

Is holding a licence to play music a legal requirement?

Yes it is - the Copyright Act (1994) clearly establishes broadcast rights, protecting the rights of music creators. The Copyright Act also outlines the penalties for anyone in breach of the Act. You can access the Copyright Act (1994) here.

Who is OneMusic?

OneMusic is the licensing brand for APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ. OneMusic licenses businesses that use music on behalf of APRA AMCOS and Recorded Music NZ, who return the licence fees collected to music creators – songwriters, composers, music publishers, recording artists and record labels – as royalties.

Both are member organisations, which means that after administration costs all money collected is returned to music creators as royalties.

Are broadcasting licences only required in New Zealand?

No - similar copyright laws exist around the world, and stations world-over need to seek permission from right holders to broadcast their music. This is typically done through rights organisations similar to APRA and Recorded Music NZ.

Want to know more? Read the full FAQs here, or call us on 0800 800 663 - we're here to help.