I found out that a UK hospital (NNUH) uses Kingdom Melodies as hold music, apparently for some years! I called and heard it myself. I wrote an email to the complaints team and await a response. I did try calling again yesterday and there didn't seem to be any hold music at all, so perhaps they have removed it while they consider the issue?
My email is below:
Could you please explain why NNUH uses Jehovah's Witness (JW) music (hymns) as hold music on the telephone system?
This raises a number of concerns. First of all has permission been granted? The music is copyrighted and JWs sue anyone who uses their literature or music without permission.
Secondly, have you considered the effect that hearing this music has on the ex-JW community who are traumatized by their experience in this cult? Dr Steve Hassan, an international expert on cults identifies them as such. There are many ex-JWs (possibly more than current JWs) and also many who describe themselves as PIMO (Physically In, Mentally Out). They cannot leave the cult due to the threat of shunning by their family and friends.
Thirdly, have you considered the content of the songs? Although it seems orchestral versions are used as your hold music, the lyrics of these songs (hymns) are inappropriate. Many of them describe how God will soon kill all non-JWs (99.9% of humanity). As an example, song 150 has the lyrics - "soon Christ will crush earthly enemies". Just search for the words enemy or enemies in their song book on their official website, and you will see how many songs describe the supposedly imminent destruction of non-JWs. According to their theology, anyone who is not a baptized JW will be destroyed at Armageddon.
Fourthly, hearing this music will exert a subtle pressure on JWs who call, to give in to the pressure they receive from JW elders/family to refuse blood transfusion. Again, many are forced to do so for fear of shunning. Anyone who is reported to have received blood, if unrepentant, will be deemed to have disassociated themselves, and will be shunned by family and friends.
Please advise.