Study reveals that only 11% of business owners
pay tariffs for the public use of music
MONTREAL, Oct. 7, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - A Leger study on
Background Music in Canadian Small Businesses commissioned by
Stingray sheds light on Canadian small business owners' lack of
awareness of the legal framework governing the use of music in
public spaces: 82% are unaware of the applicable legislation and of
their legal obligations to performers and composers.
According to the study, while music is considered essential by
71% of respondents, only 11% pay rights to music creators. Also
according to the report, 63% of those surveyed are unaware of any
regulation preventing them from using a private streaming account
to broadcast music publicly in their business. The study also
reveals that 48% of business owners consider it important to
broadcast Canadian music but only 18% declared being willing to pay
tariffs to right holders.
Based on the study's findings, business owners do not realize
that a license is required to broadcast music in a public space.
Without a license, they are liable for copyright infringement fines
and performing rights societies may decide to pursue the matter
through legal channels.
"The Leger study on Background Music in Canadian Small
Businesses makes abundantly clear that the work of music creators
is often taken for granted," stated Mathieu Péloquin, Senior
Vice-President, Marketing and Content of Stingray. "While we
commissioned this study to gain a better understanding of the
public use of music for our commercial division Stingray Business,
we are happy to share the conclusions with the entire music
industry. The results reveal that there is a pressing need for
stakeholders, policy-makers, and business owners to join forces to
address this crucial issue in support of our artists. Today's
findings confirm that further efforts are required to strengthen
and communicate the existing legal framework."
Stingray leverages over a decade of music distribution expertise
to provide a turnkey service to broadcast music legally in
commercial spaces at a price that is affordable for even the
smallest business. Stingray's hundreds of commercial-free music
channels are designed for businesses, screened for inappropriate
content and lyrics, and promote Canadian content and creators.
The survey was conducted among 510 small businesses (1 to 9
employees) across Canada with a
physical space open to customers. All survey respondents are
owners, managers or assistant managers in the following industries:
retail, restaurants and bars, personal services (e.g.,
hairdressers, dry cleaners, and photographers), leisure and
entertainment services, hospitality, and veterinary services.
View videos and the study on background music in Canadian small
businesses here
About Stingray
Montreal-based Stingray Group Inc. (TSX:
RAY.A; RAY.B) is a leading music, media, and technology company
with over 1,200 employees worldwide. Stingray is a premium provider
of curated direct-to-consumer and B2B services, including audio
television channels, more than 100 radio stations, SVOD content,
4K UHD television channels, karaoke
products, digital signage, in-store music, and music apps, which
have been downloaded over 150 million times. Stingray reaches 400
million subscribers (or users) in 156 countries. For more
information: www.stingray.com.
SOURCE Stingray