Family Life

08.15.09 | Cecil Van Houten

Family Life Network receives many inquiries from local and regional independent artists asking us to play their music.  Since we have a limited number of slots available on our playlists, selecting music is done according to established criteria.  It is important that all artists understand how music is selected and the proper procedure for submitting music for consideration.  But before we get to the "do's", here are some "don'ts":

Don't send an email and tell us to check out your music on your MySpace page.  It isn't going to happen.  We receive between 20 and 30 submissions per week and there's no time to chase down websites, MySpace or Facebook pages.

Don't send music that doesn't fit our format.  FLN plays adult contemporary Christian music.  If you have a country gospel band or you do hiphop or heavy metal, that's great but FLN's not likely to play it.  

Don't confuse sincerity with talent.  This is a hard one and some people take offense but the fact is, a singer or songwriter may be extremely sincere but their talent may not be on a professional level.  The standards explained below can encourage people to develop their skills and abilities.

Family Life Network Music Submisson Policy

1.  Programming decisions and music selections for Family Life Network are made on a non-discriminatory basis.

2.  Music submitted for consideration should be sent to the following address:

       Cecil Van Houten

       Music Director

       Family Life Network

       P.O. Box 506

       Bath, NY 14810

3.  Family Life Network accepts new music submissions via audio CD or email only.  Music can be embodied in .wav or MP3 format.  (Do not use MP4 format material.) 

4.  Music submitted must be of broadcast quality and meet the following criteria:

       a. High-quality creative content (well-written music; lyrics that reflect a Christian worldview)

       b. High performance quality (the caliber of playing and singing)

       c. Standard recording quality (the sonic and technical quality of the tracks and mix)

5.  Music submitted will not be returned.  Because of the volume of submissions, you will not be contacted unless Family Life decides to add your music to our playlist.  All submitted music should be accompanied by bio and contact information, including a valid email address, information on the song and copyright and performance rights information.

6.  Inquiries regarding music submission may be submitted via email to .  If you wish to attach an MP3 file of your song with your email the same criteria applies as with music submitted on CD.   

7.  With regard to musical performance rights, Family Life Network holds licenses with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC only.  By submitting music for consideration, you represent that the submitted music has been registered with one of these three performing rights organizations.  Alternatively, if you are not a member of these organizations, you represent and warrant that you hold these rights personally and grant Family Life Network the right to broadcast your material.  In addition, because we stream music over the internet, by submitting music for consideration you represent that the submitted music has been registered with SoundExchange.  Alternatively, if you are not a member of SoundExchange, you represent and warrant that you hold these rights personally and grant Family Life Network the right to stream your material on a non-interactive, non-subscription basis.

The information in this article will be added to the radio page of the FLN website for future reference.