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Noncommercial Webcaster


Services which are owned by a governmental entity for public purposes or owned by a tax-exempt service under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., churches, schools, etc.) must operate as “noncommercial” webcasters. All other webcasters must operate as “commercial” webcasters (the “noncommercial” status of a webcaster is not based on an absence of advertisements or commercials on the website or within the programming). The Copyright Royalty Board’s determination for 2016-2020 webcasting rates can be found here. For information about webcasting rates and terms for periods prior to 2016, please contact Licensee Relations.
There are three categories for noncommercial webcasters in 2016:

  • Noncommercial Webcasters (CRB):
    • The default category for noncommercial webcasters (including AM and/or FM simulcasts), using rates determined by the Copyright Royalty Board. 
  • Noncommercial Educational Webcasters:
    • This category is for noncommercial services which (1) offer nonsubscription transmissions, (2) are primarily operated by students, and (3) owned by accredited educational institutions.
  • Public Radio (CPB):
    • The category for NPR, American Public Media, Public Radio International, Public Radio Exchange, and certain other stations annually named by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (e.g., certain members of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, etc.).