According to CNET, the world’s largest tech media source, “the number of music streaming services in Australia has exploded. There are now more than 15 competing services to choose from in the local market”.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has seen streaming music increasingly become the music source for many of its members, with some retailers combining streaming with their existing music library and some including streaming as a standalone music source.

“For this reason, the optional bundled licence we developed in July with APRA AMCOS and PPCA makes real economic sense for many retailers in this evolving market,” said Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director, ARA.

“For those who want to use streaming music, play TV instore, and have music on hold on the store landline, this is a cost saver,” he said.

“If you operate a retail outlet that is under 500sqm in total floor space, you’re eligible for a one flat licence fee of $550 to use music, instead of taking out several licences, which would have previously cost more than $1,400.

“That means now you can be licensed for a whole range of background music devices, covering the new streaming services, radio, and television, music from CDs and smartphones as well as music in the workplace and music on hold.

“This optional scheme provides unlimited copying, unlimited devices, unlimited music on hold use and unlimited music in the workplace for one flat fee, was developed with the ARA’s input and will be administered by the ARA. One licence fee paid to the ARA means less paperwork, greater savings and easier compliance with copyright law.”

Note: The scheme will not apply to businesses that qualify for either the APRA AMCOS or PPCA restaurant/cafe licence schemes.

More about this scheme and application form can be found online.