The audibility threshold is the threshold, in decibels, below which a work broadcast in an audiovisual medium is not audible by the viewer.
Based on several analyses, the Sacem Board of Directors has decided to apply the minimum (differential) threshold of a voice-to-music ratio greater than 22 dB as the limit of the sound zone that must not be exceeded for the music to be considered audible.
The level of this threshold has been calibrated according to a European standard (recommendation EBU-R 128 [3]) which precisely sets an average sound level for broadcasting on TV and radio. This standard serves as the basis for a tool that was developed by sworn experts from Sacem and an engineer from Ircam for the scientific basis.
The computer tool thus developed and then validated by the Board of Directors gives our sworn experts, in the event of doubt about the level of diffusion observed by ear, the possibility of scientifically verifying that there is no error in their initial expert report.
Only the audible works in a programme will be subject to a royalty distribution.
Analyzes of programs submitted by broadcasters will be carried out by Sacem in order to verify the audibility threshold of musical works.
This decision applies to broadcasts beginning January 1st, 2023.
Published January 19 2023