ASCAP has filed infringement lawsuits against four radio groups representing fifteen stations for continued failure to comply with US copyright law by broadcasting ASCAP songwriter and publisher works without a valid license for several years.

The operator being sued are Haugo Broadcasting in South Dakota, Spoon River Media in Indiana, Taylor Communications in Mississippi, and Barry Lunderville Radio in New Hampshire. All stations are required by federal copyright law to obtain permission from copyright owners before playing their music. Most broadcasters across the US license the music they use through an agreement between ASCAP and the Radio Music Licensing Committee (RMLC), which provides industry-negotiated blanket licenses to radio stations and offers access to the more than 20 million works in ASCAP’s repertory for a fair rate calculated as a small percentage of station revenue. ASCAP says that the defendants have repeatedly refused to renew their licenses and pay the required fees.

ASCAP Chairman/President Paul Williams said, “Music is the lifeblood of radio, and the overwhelming majority of radio stations follow the law. As songwriters and composers, we earn our livelihoods through our creative work, and music is how we put food on the table, pay the rent and support our families. Radio station owners know that an ASCAP blanket license allows them to offer music legally, efficiently and at a reasonable price – while compensating music creators fairly.”

ASCAP EVP and Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer Clara Kim added, “We don’t take legal action lightly. When a station refuses to pay for the music that makes their business possible, we have a responsibility to our members to take action.”