Why do you need to pay to use music?

The MCPS-PRS Alliance is home to the best music writers and publishers. Formed in 1997 between two royalty collection societies (MCPS and PRS), it exists to collect and pay royalties to its members when their music is recorded and made available to the public (MCPS); and when their music is performed, broadcast or otherwise made publicly available (PRS).

Ten years since joining forces, the MCPS-PRS Alliance is one of the most efficient combined rights collecting operations. Offering its members more money, more often, at less cost and its customers the most efficient means by which they can use music.
 
Where does MCPS collect its money from?

Money is generated (through licence fees) from the recording of our members’ music on many different formats, including CDs, DVDs, television, broadcast
and online.
 
Where does PRS collect its money from?

Money is due for any public performance of music, whether live or recorded, that takes place outside the home and from radio and television broadcasts and online.
 
What do MCPS and PRS do with the money collected?

MCPS and PRS pay money collected to their writer and music publisher members. Both organisations are 'not for profit', and only deduct a small admin/commission fee to cover operating costs.