Chorus America - Voice Article XM Radio

Chorus America Pilots Relationship with XM Satellite Radio's VOX Station

XM Satellite Radio, which uses new technology to bring listeners very specific programming and digital-quality sound, is in the final stages of launching their new service, which will allow subscribers to hear music in their cars via specially fitted radios. Chief among XM's 100 unique radio stations is VOX-an advertising-free station that will air choral music and opera 24-hours a day.
Eager to be at the forefront of this new technology and to involve our members from the start, Chorus America is piloting a relationship with XM. Member choruses are now invited to submit recordings of live performances and/or of specially produced CDs for possible airing on the VOX station. To participate, Chorus America members in good standing may send recordings to: Chorus America, Satellite Radio Project, 1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 310, Washington, DC 20005.
VOX station manager, Robert Aubrey Davis, will make the final selection about what is aired. Choruses will be recognized as Chorus America members and we will receive information about the upcoming broadcasts. The announcer will share this information on the air as well.
Robert Aubrey Davis, a classical radio veteran and knowledgeable fan of choral music, is known for his nationally syndicated program, "Millennium in Music." XM-ready radios are currently in some 2002 model year cars and will be available in more cars next year. Prices range from less than $300 to $1,000 for the system, plus a monthly service fee of $9.99 and an activation fee. For more information and to sample selected XM stations, go to www.xmradio.com.
Broadcast Clearances: Choruses are reminded that broadcast contracts require the submitting chorus to "clear" all music for broadcast prior to submission. In general, there are two kinds of clearances that you should be concerned with: concerts and records (CDs). If you recorded a concert in which union musicians performed, you must pay a broadcast fee on top of the concert fees: this applies to AGMA, AFM, AFTRA, etc. In addition, you must pay concert license fees to ASCAP and BMI for all music that is not in the public domain. Broadcast licenses are generally covered for public radio stations by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and are paid individually by commercial stations. If you recorded a compact disc for a commercial record label, then applicable license fees and royalties should be paid by the label, and the CD may be broadcast without further payments by your chorus. In any event, it may be prudent to insure that all required payments have been made. If you produced a CD on a private label, such as your own, or through a CD manufacturing house, the applicable licenses and royalties are due from and payable by your ensemble.

Home | About Chorus America | Why Choruses Matter | Membership | Publications | Programs | Awards | Support Chorus America

1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20005 - 202.331.7577 - 202.331.7599 (fax) - service@chorusamerica.org
© 2008 Chorus America. All rights reserved

Chorus America Pilots Relationship with XM Satellite Radio's VOX Station

XM Satellite Radio, which uses new technology to bring listeners very specific programming and digital-quality sound, is in the final stages of launching their new service, which will allow subscribers to hear music in their cars via specially fitted radios. Chief among XM's 100 unique radio stations is VOX-an advertising-free station that will air choral music and opera 24-hours a day. Eager to be at the forefront of this new technology and to involve our members from the start, Chorus America is piloting a relationship with XM. Member choruses are now invited to submit recordings of live performances and/or of specially produced CDs for possible airing on the VOX station. To participate, Chorus America members in good standing may send recordings to: Chorus America, Satellite Radio Project, 1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 310, Washington, DC 20005. VOX station manager, Robert Aubrey Davis, will make the final selection about what is aired. Choruses will be recognized as Chorus America members and we will receive information about the upcoming broadcasts. The announcer will share this information on the air as well. Robert Aubrey Davis, a classical radio veteran and knowledgeable fan of choral music, is known for his nationally syndicated program, "Millennium in Music." XM-ready radios are currently in some 2002 model year cars and will be available in more cars next year. Prices range from less than $300 to $1,000 for the system, plus a monthly service fee of $9.99 and an activation fee. For more information and to sample selected XM stations, go to www.xmradio.com. Broadcast Clearances: Choruses are reminded that broadcast contracts require the submitting chorus to "clear" all music for broadcast prior to submission. In general, there are two kinds of clearances that you should be concerned with: concerts and records (CDs). If you recorded a concert in which union musicians performed, you must pay a broadcast fee on top of the concert fees: this applies to AGMA, AFM, AFTRA, etc. In addition, you must pay concert license fees to ASCAP and BMI for all music that is not in the public domain. Broadcast licenses are generally covered for public radio stations by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and are paid individually by commercial stations. If you recorded a compact disc for a commercial record label, then applicable license fees and royalties should be paid by the label, and the CD may be broadcast without further payments by your chorus. In any event, it may be prudent to insure that all required payments have been made. If you produced a CD on a private label, such as your own, or through a CD manufacturing house, the applicable licenses and royalties are due from and payable by your ensemble.