Playlist and Music Compliance Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Towerblock Radio CIC manages playlists and music selection to ensure compliance with licensing, editorial standards and artist rights.

Scope

This policy applies to all music played on Towerblock Radio CIC, whether selected by DJs, presenters, automated systems or programmed playlists.

Definitions

• Playlist means a curated list of tracks for broadcast.
• Automated playlist means a pre-programmed sequence of tracks played without live DJ input.
• Radio edit means a version of a track modified for radio broadcast (e.g. clean language, shorter length).

Responsibilities

The Programming Lead manages playlist and music compliance. DJs follow the policy. The Operations Lead manages automated playlist systems.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC ensures that all music played on the station is properly licensed, appropriate for the audience and time of broadcast, and respects artist rights.

Detailed Procedures

Music licensing

All music played on Towerblock Radio CIC must be covered by appropriate PRS for Music and PPL licences. See the Copyright Compliance Policy for details.

Music selection

• DJs have artistic freedom in music selection, within the Editorial Standards Policy.
• DJs must not knowingly play stolen, leaked or unauthorised music.
• DJs must respect promo and dubplate conditions.
• DJs should credit artists and labels where reasonably possible.

Explicit content

• Explicit tracks should be flagged.
• Explicit content should not be played before the watershed (9pm) unless a clean edit is available.
• Radio edits should be used where available and appropriate.

Automated playlists

• Automated playlists must only include properly licensed music.
• Tracklists must be recorded for royalty reporting.
• Automated playlists should include variety and avoid excessive repetition.
• Automated playlists should be reviewed periodically for quality and compliance.

Royalty reporting

• Towerblock Radio CIC must report music usage to PRS and PPL as required by licence terms.
• DJs should provide tracklists where requested.
• The automated system should log all tracks played.

Promo and dubplate management

• Promo tracks must be used in accordance with the terms set by the label or promoter.
• Promo tracks must not be shared beyond authorised users.
• Dubplates must be used in accordance with the artist's intentions.

Genre and programming balance

• Towerblock Radio CIC aims to represent the diversity of underground music culture.
• Programming should reflect a range of genres, artists and communities.
• The Programming Lead reviews programming balance periodically.

Reporting Process

Concerns about music compliance should be reported to the Programming Lead.

Compliance Requirements

• Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
• PRS for Music and PPL licence terms.
• Ofcom Broadcasting Code (where applicable).

Monitoring

The Programming Lead monitors playlist and music compliance. The board reviews music compliance annually.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Copyright Compliance Policy
• Music Submission Terms
• Editorial Standards Policy
• Code of Conduct for DJs

Website URL slug

/policies/playlist-music-compliance-policy

Meta Title

Playlist and Music Compliance Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's playlist and music compliance policy covering music selection, explicit content, automated playlists, royalty reporting and promo management.

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playlist, music compliance, PRS, PPL, royalty reporting, explicit content, radio edit, automated playlist