Using Music in BBC audio programmes

Music clearance and licenses

The BBC has agreed ‘collective licence’ deals with collecting societies that represent composers, musicians, record companies and music publishers. These are called Music Blanket Agreements.

These agreements allow the BBC to use music on its licence-fee funded Public Services.

They cover in-house and independent productions.

You don't need permission each time music is used/recorded (although music reporting is still required)

The cost is paid centrally and does not hit production budgets.

Production must follow specific guidance if:

They are using music in Speech Audio Content

They are making visualised content for a BBC Public Service (which must be cleared through BBC MusicBox) or social media platform.

They are intending to use a Commercial Recording as ‘Signature’ music in two or more episodes of a series. Please contact musiclicensingqueries@bbc.co.uk

They are a BBC Studios or in-house production intending to commission new specially composed music for a programme.

They are an Independent Producer commissioning new specially composed music for the World Service, Radio 5 Live, 5 Live Sports Extra or BBC News. (please see Auto-Recognition guidance below)

Music Reporting

The BBC is legally required to report music used to collecting societies, so composers and rights owners are paid. If the BBC does not report the music used in its content it is in breach of its agreements and could be subject to legal action.

Production must report all music used - whether covered by BBC Music Blankets or not. Nil returns are also required for programmes to confirm no music has been used.

You must report music within two weeks of transmission.

Programme makers should complete reporting on the following systems.

For audio-only content:

VCS/dira! – for all live and pre-recorded music programmes (unless your commissioning/network colleague indicates otherwise)

Proteus – for all live and pre-recorded speech (unless your commissioning/network colleague indicates otherwise)

Music Master (Local Radio only)

For audiovisual content: Silvermouse, WhatsOn (trails, promos), Proteus

For In-House production teams – please see systems guidance and information on these links:

Proteus

VCS/dira!

Silvermouse

MusicMaster

If you are In-House BBC Staff supplying music reporting for the Pop Networks, please see additional information on music reporting on Gateway here.

For Independent Producers – please see systems guidance and information on these links:

Proteus

VCS/dira!

Silvermouse

What music should be reported?

Audible music must be reported, examples include:

Traditional or "out of copyright" music

Ice-cream vans

Football chants

Music in promotions/promos, background, live or locally recorded, music picked up on location e.g. crowds singing in the street - even humming two bars of 'Happy Birthday'.

Even one second of a tune

Production Library Music (e.g. KPM, Bruton, Carlin etc)

Background music

Jingles, Promotional fills

Music in "packages" e.g. GNS news packages

Any speech or sound-effect, such as from a Production Library or BBC catalogue.

Programme Details Guide

Type of Detail	Description
Programme Title	This is the programme or strand title for the programme
Episode Title	If a series is being reported, enter the title of the episode, if there is one.
Episode Number	If a series is being reported, enter the episode number of the series.
Programme/ Costing Number	Enter the number which is valid for the programme to be reported. If you are not sure of your programme number please check the schedule.
Transmission Date and Time	Enter the date and time of the programme transmitted. If a repeat programme is being reported, enter the current repeat date and time.
First Transmission Date and Time	If a repeat is being reported, enter the broadcast date of the first transmission.
Code for Programme Type & corresponding category	A - BBC Production B - Independent Production C - Co-Production D - Acquired Programme E - BBC Production Repeat F - Independent Prodn repeat G - Co-Production repeat H - Acquired Programme repeat I - JV re-versioned J - JV origination K - JV re-versioned repeat L - JV origination repeat
Source	For an Independent, Co-Production or Acquired Programme, enter the name of the Company, Co-Producer or programme supplier.

Music Details Guide

Type of detail	Description
Music Title	Enter in full the title as shown on the recording (or sheet music if used) including the version/mix if applicable (ie Radio Edit). When reporting classical music, if only a section of a long work has been used, please include the overall title of the work, followed by the details of the movement(s).
Composer	Enter the surname first, Then forename(s). If every effort has been made but no information is available, enter "NFI" (No Further Information). If the item is a traditional piece with no known composer(s), enter "Trad". Lyricists should be entered in the Composer field. Separate each composer name with a "/".
Publisher	Company names may be shortened by omitting the descriptive detail, e.g. "...Publishing Company Limited". If an item is unpublished or played from manuscript, enter "MS". If it is published, but no details are available, enter "NA". Separate each publisher with an "/".
Arranger	Enter the surname first, and forename(s). If there is no arranger, enter "NA".
Performer	Separate each performer with "/". If there are many performers, enter them in order of importance, e.g. Band/Orchestra name first, Conductor, Soloists, etc.
Label	This must be completed for all music items coded C, K, M or P (see music codes below) For commercial recordings it is important to use the label name and not the name of the distribution company.
Prefix and Number (Catalogue Number and ISRC)	This must be completed for all music items coded C, K, M or P (see below). In the case of commercial recordings, this is the catalogue number and normally appears at the top right hand corner of the back of the physical CD, or on the spine and/or the ISRC number of the recording. The Prefix often contains letters and appears before the number. The ISRC number (not Cat No) must be entered for Music Video use (code P).
Music Album Title	The album title the recording came from must be entered for all music items coded C and K.
Duration	Enter as minutes and seconds using 5 digits, separating the minutes from the seconds with a space, e.g. 003 41. Do not add together uses of the same piece of music, these must be reported separately. Please note that over-reporting is just as unacceptable to the copyright societies as under-reporting.

Data Required for Music Reporting – Primary Music Codes

Enter a letter to represent one of the following categories, ie the origin of the music item:

Code	Code name	Description
A	Sound	Music on recordings from the BBC Sound Archive. Label details must be blank!
C	Commercial	Commercial recordings that have been released to the public, such as tracks from albums, singles, or music streaming platforms. These recordings are typically owned by record labels. Label details are required, and ISRC where possible.
H	Radiophonic Workshop	Music from the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop. Label details must be blank!
I	Local Radio Idents	Specially composed idents for Local Radio only. Label details must be blank!
K	Commercial old	Commercial Recordings that were released prior to 1964 and are now out of copyright. Label details are required!
L	Live	Live Performance (and lip-synching/miming on live programmes for TV). Label details must be blank!
M	Library music	Music, speech and sound effects from Production Music Libraries, e.g. De Wolfe, Universal Production Music, Audio Network. Label details are required!
N	Private tapes	Non-commercial private tapes. Label details must be blank!
P	Music Video	Promotional music videos typically produced by an artist or record label. It includes both the audio and visual elements. Will have an ISRC number. Unlikely to be cartoons / extracts from feature films / concerts / live performance archive. ISRC and Label details are required!
R	Studio recording	BBC studio or location recording (not specially composed). Label details must be blank!
2	2nd or further use of "R" code	Within 28 days of the 1st transmission. Label details must be blank!
T	Soundtrack tape	Film soundtrack from the BBC’s Film Unit or Acquisitions. Label details must be blank!
U	Foreign tapes	Stock music from Foreign Broadcasters (e.g. EBU tapes). Put Foreign Tape as the label name!
X	Specially Composed Music	Original music commissioned by production specifically for the programme or broadcast. Excluding Radiophonic Workshop and Library Music. Label details must be blank!

Secondary Codes

These indicate how the music was used. Secondary Codes are mandatory for all music items in audiovisual content.

Code	Code name	Description
S	Signature Tune	Audio and Audiovisual Programmes. Must be added if the music item has been used as a Signature Tune for your programme. (ie, opening/closing music, pre-titles or a distinct recurring segment) Clearance is required for Commercial Recordings to be used as Signature Tune. Contact BBC Music Rights for more info.
D	Dubbed	Audio Programmes only. If an A, C, M or T code (above) has been dubbed (or you are reporting a pre-recorded programme).
B	Background music	Audiovisual Programmes only. Music that is used as background underscore within a scene and is not audible to the characters or people in the scene. It is intended solely for the viewer’s experience and does not interact with the on-screen environment. Use in addition to a primary code!
V	Visual Music	Audiovisual Programmes only. Music that is part of the on-screen environment and audible to the characters in the scene. It originates from a visible or implied source within the scene (e.g. a radio, TV, live band, jukebox, club speakers). All actuality music is visual. Use in addition to a primary code!.

Actuality Music

The PRS have given us a concession regarding the reporting of actuality music. They societies expect "best endeavours" when reporting actuality music that is unintentionally broadcast. If impossible to identify they will accept "Unidentified actuality".

Some music codes may need to be changed. For example: the live broadcast of "Last Night of the Proms" will have an "L" music code, but subsequent broadcasts will be an "R" (BBC Recording) code. Other changes will be the costing/programme number, broadcast date and transmission time - if appropriate.

Production Library music & specially composed music

Production Library music downloaded from BBC MusicBox is covered for bbc.co.uk, Sounds and social media, as is music that has been specially composed for a programme.

Music on Non-Broadcast Services

If non-linear content contains new music (that isn't in the linear programme), the music needs to be reported. Full details are needed and can be entered under the specific channel, e.g. BBC 2i.

Music Used In Online Clips

The reporting requirements are still in negotiation with the copyright societies. Please record all of the music that you have used in Silvermouse but do not submit the cue sheet.

These include:

Music clips in quiz packages - Multiple music clips in one “clip”.eg 3 x 2 secs of different tracks in one quiz clip.

Commissioned music specifically created for bbc.co.uk and social media

Impromptu clips of members of the public whistling pop songs Music copyright can make judgements regarding this content.

BBC Teach

Bitesize

Live events e.g. Glastonbury – only clips of material not previously broadcast on linear must be recorded.

Online marketing promos (excluding Sounds and iPlayer) and trade shows.

Fair Dealing Music

If you wish to fair deal any music please reach out to the BBC Music Rights department. Independent Producers may need to take independent legal advice. Any music that is approved for fair dealing should not be reported on the music cue sheet or music report, but noted down in the copyrights section of the production paperwork.

Auto-Recognition – “Off-Air Reporting” and Asset Upload

“Off-Air Reporting”

The BBC uses Auto-Recognition “off-air reporting” software from Soundmouse to manage the music reporting across some BBC services. In this scenario the entire service is monitored by the software, the music is identified, and then reporting sent to the collection societies. The following BBC services are reported in this way:

World Service

Radio 5 Live

5 Live Sports Extra

BBC News Channel

BBC News International

BBC Parliament

If you are commissioning any new Specially Composed music for the above services, the Composer MUST upload their master recordings to Soundmouse in order to enable Auto-Recognition and music reporting. More information can be found here: https://www.soundmouse.com/bbc/

We encourage all media composers to upload their master recordings to Soundmouse to support Auto-Recognition across further BBC services and enable accurate and timely reporting.

Asset Upload

Producers of audiovisual content are able to make use of the Auto-Recognition Asset Upload tool. The rollout of this technology for producers of audio content will be communicated soon.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/proteusMusic Reporting FAQ

Why do we have to report the programme if it does not contain any music?

Our Music Reporting System assumes that a programme contains music unless it is told otherwise, so we are obliged to make a negative return to the copyright societies.

I’m reporting a DJ mix – do I need to list every individual piece of music used in the mix?

Yes, each individual piece of music within a mix needs to be reported along with the duration of each piece of music. Where there is overlap between music items production must use their own judgment to decide when one music item ends and the next one begins.

I’ve finished adding in all the music durations for my programme and it’s longer than the programme episode duration – am I OK to submit?

No, you must not submit cue sheets/music reports where the duration of music is longer than the duration of the programme episode. The societies do not pay out programmes where the music duration is longer than the episode. Any programmes with excessive music that are paid out in error by the societies reduce the royalty pool available for other artists and composers.

I’m not sure of the correct programme number – what should I do?

Production need to ensure they report their music against the programme number as per the schedule. It is essential that the correct programme number is used to ensure that the correct music report can be matched to the correct programme. Any incorrect music reports will need to be redone by production.

Do I need to submit a music report for each repeat?

No, identical repeats do not require additional reports. The original music report will simply match to any repeat.

I’ve created two versions of my programme – what do I do?

If you’ve edited a programme by:

adding new music

removing music

changing the duration of any music

changing the duration of the programme episode

You will need to submit a new music report with the new programme number of the edited version.

My audio programme has now been visualised on iPlayer – do I need to submit a new report?

Yes, separate reporting is required for audio and audiovisual content. Even if all details are exactly the same.

Do I have to fill in the music reporting for each day, or will one report for all the programmes in the week do?

One music report/cue sheet per programme is needed.

Do we have to report "out of copyright" music?

Yes.

My Producer hasn’t given me any details of the music that was used. What do I do to report it?

The collecting societies take the view that the BBC should not use music which it cannot report. Every effort must be made to contact the producer and, if unsuccessful, enlist the help of someone who may recognise the music used. If you just have artist and title, try our database links for help in getting other details.

Where can I find the Composer, Publisher and record details?

You can find this information attached to the relevant track in BBC MusicBox.

We used the Channel Ident (e.g BBC 2 symbol). Do we need to report it?

Yes, every ident/trail needs to be reported as and when it is used.

I’ve only used one second of a piece of music. Do I need to report it?

Yes. There is no minimum duration.

Do I put the time in and time out, or the duration of the music?

For audio programmes just the duration is needed currently. For aAudiovisual programmes Silvermouse requires the time in and time out (it will then calculate the duration for you).

Do I need to report sound effects?

Yes, if they are from commercial recordings or Production Music Libraries. BBC Sound Archives discs may also contain music which needs to be reported.

My programme is a mixture of co-production items in a BBC Production. What Programme Type do I put in?

Put an "A" for BBC Production. Clips or items from another source do not constitute a co-production. Your Production Manager should know whether the programme is co-produced (financed) with another source.

Contacts

For music rights queries please contact the Music Rights team: musiclicensingqueries@bbc.co.uk

For music reporting queries please contact the Music Reporting Team: bbcmusicreporting@bbc.co.uk

BBC MusicBox

BBC MusicBox is a digital music library and clearance tool for production teams sourcing music for BBC programmes.

BBC MusicBox is hosted by Soundmouse and provides access to millions of commercial tracks sourced direct from record labels, and hundreds of MCPS and Non-MCPS registered production music libraries in one place to provide a go-to music source across all popular and niche music genres. If a track is not found in the library there is a request process within the system for users to request specific tracks.

Radio users can use the ‘publish to playout’ function in MusicBox to send music contained in MusicBox to playout systems

The clearance tool has been configured so that only music the BBC has the rights to use in the programme you are making can be cleared. Where the clearance process is more complex the system will enable users to refer to the Music Rights team to investigate the query.

The integrated clearance system performs automatic PRS and PPL clearance checks, for speech programmes distributed on RSS and Visualised content. After answering a brief set of questions a traffic light system will tell you whether your tracks are cleared, referred or denied.

Accessing MusicBox

Go to BBC MusicBox

New users can request access via this smartsheet.

Training and contacts

Training helpcards are available on the BBC Academy website.

For technical queries about the system please contact bbcmusicbox.support@bbc.co.uk.

Accessibility links

Rebuild Page

Useful links

Demo mode

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