Nearly 60% of churches in America now host their own websites, and the webcasting of church services is gaining rapidly in popularity.  One of the problems churches face is the inclusion of the praise & worship portions of their services as the licensing of songs can be complicated and confusing.   To counteract that difficulty, Church Copyright Administration (CCA), a leader in Christian copyright clearances, has announced the introduction of WorshipCast License: Church Song Internet Performance License (www.churchca.com), allowing churches to webcast songs on their websites. CCA recently finalized music licensing agreements with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, the three U.S. Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), to provide a simple solution for churches to comply with the copyright law for internet song performances, while recognizing the rights of composers, lyricists and publishers. 

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of ASCAP, BMI and SESAC to help churches with their commitment to be copyright compliant by streamlining internet song licensing,” says CCA President Susan Fontaine Godwin, a 22-year veteran in Christian music publishing and church copyright administration. “CCA is thrilled to offer a one-stop license to simplify the legal use of music performances on church websites.” 

The three PROs represent close to 600,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers and nearly 16 million songs, including Christian music and all music genres. 

Continuing CCA’s proactive position in building bridges between Christian organizations and copyright owners in the legal, effective use of current technology, WorshipCast License offers one form for enrollment with all three of the PROs, access to CCA’s exclusive CopyrightSolver™ database, an online, user-friendly form for posting internet usage activities and simplified accounting and reporting procedures. 

CCA solves the puzzle of song performance internet compliance that would help churches:

·         Webcast worship service and events featuring performances of more than 16 million songs from ASCAP, BMI and SESAC

·         Feature song play lists on their websites—interactive selection of streamed songs (non-downloadable) 

CCA takes the complication out of license permissions:

• Fill out one simple application form (instead of one agreement each for ASCAP, BMI and SESAC)

• Pay one annual license fee of $925.00, plus $90 one-time activation fee.
• User-friendly online song usage report to track ongoing internet activity (additional periodic reports may be required) 
• CCA compiles and submits all required payments and reports to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC
• 24/7 access to exclusive CopyrightSolver™ online song database
• Education on current church copyright and internet issues
• Personal customer support and information

“CCA's expertise and copyright solutions have decreased our stress levels and increased efficiency in use of staff time,” says Steve Colver, Technical Arts Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Tory, Michigan. “WorshipCast has allowed us to confidently provide viewers to our web site video of our entire service, music and message time and allow others to experience a complete worship service.”   

ASCAP Senior Vice-President, Enterprises Group Chris Amenita offers, “We are pleased to work with CCA to offer an easy way for churches to comply with the copyright law … and our writers and publishers can look forward to being compensated for performances of their music.” 

“The CCA license is another solid example of how groups can work together to create value for our mutual constituencies,” explains BMI Vice President New Media and Strategic Development, Richard Conlon.  “The WorshipCast License provides an innovative solution for the thousands of CCA church member websites, and we are happy that we are able to participate in its development.”

CCA provides administration, consultation and education services to a client base which includes Saddleback Church, Willow Creek Church, Bellevue Baptist Church and Christian ministries and businesses like International Mission Board, Worship Leader Song DISCovery and Sermonspice. Clients obtain clearances for copyright uses not covered by other industry licenses through CopyrightSolver™, streamlining and automating the process while giving clients personal control and immediate information about their project orders. Full Service and Per Project administration plans, plus personal On-Site Consultation, are CCA services designed to meet the needs of individual clients.

WorshipCast License details are available by emailing internetinfo@churchca.com, calling 251.929.2404, or online at www.churchca.com/wcl.htm. CCA’s contact info: www.churchca.com or 251.929.2411. 

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