Is it illegal to use background music in home videos?

Answer 1

The owner of a published musical work is entitled to payment by any person using that music. You buy a CD and you have paid for the right to play that music privately. Radio stations pay for the right to broadcast that music. In businesses where the music is used primarily for background, the business owners must also pay to play that music. ASCAP- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, is the group that helps to accommodate the use of published music while protecting the rights of the music owner and seeing that he is compensated (royalty). Whomever is using published music is obligated to provide a play list and schedule by music selection, and ASCAP determines payment for use accordingly. Substantial fines and even law suits can be levied against anyone who uses published music without paying royalties.