Music On Hold Radio

Many looking for free music on hold options decide to hook up a music on hold radio.  Few companies realize that by using a music on hold radio (or any other mainstream music that is not specifically royalty free music on hold content), they are in fact doing something illegal.  Performance Rights Organizations such as BMI, ASCAP and SESAC consider music on hold radio usage a public performance of the various musicians’ work.  To use a music on hold radio legally, you need to pay annual licensing fees to one or more Performance rights organizations.  So while music on hold radio may appear to be a free music on hold option, instead can actually be a very costly on hold music option.  Aside from the legal/music licensing issues, there are many reasons NOT to use a music on hold radio as your music on hold equipment:

• Music on hold radio reception is unreliable and frequently fades in and out. Music on hold equipment is frequently located in a phone closet or isolated area, making radio reception even more problematic.  This reception issue often results in callers being subject to a music on hold radio blaring static, rather than professional sounding music and messages on hold, or royalty free music on hold content.
• Music on hold radio content is uncontrolled. Rather than professional sounding on hold productions, or even hand selected royalty free music on hold tracks, the radio can play music that can be irritating to callers.
• Radio DJs can be annoying to listen to, especially while waiting on hold. No matter what station you have your music on hold radio tuned to, it’s inevitable that some of your callers will be subjected to radio DJs.  This kind of voice on hold content can be annoying at the least, and completely offensive at worst.
• Music on hold radio content runs commercials for other companies rather than yours. If you have callers on hold, wouldn’t you rather have them hear professionally produced telephone advertising about your company, rather than other random companies, or worse yet, your own competitors?

While music on hold radio usage is widespread, and in most cases played illegally, it is neither a free music on hold option, nor is it professional or desirable.  Royalty free music on hold content, or on hold productions from legitimate on hold companies do a much better job at conveying a professional image, and maximizing the benefits when callers need to be placed on hold.

Still have more music on hold questions not covered on our site? Visit our “Ask The Music On Hold Expert” page and post your question online!