Broadcasters

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Whether you broadcast a TV or cable TV show that includes music in some of the programming, or operate a terrestrial, satellite or online radio station that broadcasts music, getting Licensed To Play by SOCAN means that the people who created that music are compensated for your use of their work. You’re also making sure that the music used to build your viewership or listenership is used fairly, legally and ethically. The license fees that broadcasters pay to SOCAN for the public performance of music – whether via cue sheets for individual music performances or blanket licenses for all music performances within a given time period – compensate songwriters, composers and music publishers that make up SOCAN.

How are license fees and rates determined?

SOCAN license fees are set by the Copyright Board of Canada, an independent body appointed by the federal government. SOCAN tariffs and the associated fees take into consideration the value of music to a business. If music is integral to your business and/or event (i.e., a dance club, or a concert venue), then it's worth more to your business. The rates that are set by the Copyright Board of Canada reflect this value. Each year SOCAN files proposed tariffs with the Copyright Board. Interested parties are then permitted to submit objections to SOCAN's proposals within a limited time. If an objection or concern is raised concerning a tariff, the Copyright Board may hold a hearing. After hearings are completed and amendments are made, the Copyright Board publishes the approved tariffs in the Canada Gazette.

Dan Boeckner

Indie-rock singer-songwriter Dan Boeckner never stands still: His relentless songwriting, recording and touring schedule rotates across an ever-changing list of projects. The SOCAN member formed Wolf Parade with Spencer Krug (on hiatus from 2010 to 2016, now back); Handsome Furs with his fiancée Alexei Perry (2005 to 2012, when both the couple and the band broke up); Divine Fits with Britt Daniel in 2011 (a one-off effort undertaken while Daniel was on break from his band Spoon); and Operators, whose 2016 album Blue Wave was a critical hit, even with a resurgent Wolf Parade touring again. Boeckner’s career is a searching, expansive and fruitful one.