Due to copyright issues, BBC Radio has advised its programmers and DJs to refrain from playing any music by Neil Young, the Doors, Journey or Bonnie Raitt. These four acts have apparently withdrawn from the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS), which means playing them in any form — even a cover or sample — would be a breach of copyright.
BBC recently issued the following warning to its producers in reference to the banned artists:
You can NOT use tracks by these composers on the radio and/or online.
You can NOT use tracks by these composers whether they are originals or covers.
You can NOT use the lyrics.
You can NOT put performances using these compositions on line.
You can NOT use tracks which include samples of these compositions e.g. Tracks by Skrillex/Chase & Status
You can NOT use clips which include any compositions by these composers
The acts are represented by publishing firm Sharandall Music and have withdrawn from the MCPS over the course of several years; Young in 2002, The Doors in 2006 and most recently Journey in 2013.
A spokesperson for BBC explained, “The issue has arisen for radio now because we will soon launch a feature which will enable audiences to download radio and music programmes to listen to offline on the BBC iPlayer Radio app. This involves the MCPS right which has been withdrawn.”
[Via The Guardian]