Copyright infringement

[rm81dragon]

I am entertaining the possibility of running an internet broadcast via shoutcast. From reading through the forums it seems as though, for most of the broadcasters, the only financial responsibilty for which they are abiding comes as a product of just buying a CD and broadcasting it's songs. As a whole, should I really worry about paying royalties and seeking legal representation to run an internet broadcast. The underground music scene for my local area (TampaBay) is really lacking in accesseability (spelled wrong, I think)) and I would like to really give a viable solution for my local scene outside of a clearchannel based "pop-media" broadcast. I would like to do this in a way that would be able to withstand the risk of being shut down or held liable for some large fine. I just want to make accesseable underground music, but I want to do it right so that I may have a chance at lasting (atleast for a little while). I'm not so bad at sifting through the technical issues of running a broadcast, however the legal side of things is definately not my forte. Let me know.

[FesterHead]

If it's copyrighted matierial, then you owe somebody something.

The rules/laws vary depending on the source location.

For folks in the U.S.A. (and others wanting a good read), try this for starters.

For a more definitive answer, please consult legal assistance.

Please see this thread for royalty options via SWCast.

[DJ Killer]

rm812dragon, what kind of underground music you talking about?

I may be able to assist, if its underground, RIAA has no authority.

[rm81dragon]

Basically my interest's lie in the electronic genre specifically drum n bass, however, I'm a fan of most all music and I'ed like to be able to generate a broadcast that would serve not only as a place for established undergound artist from punk, to electronic, to singer songwriter but also a place for new artists especialy local to be able to share their stuff with the community on a grander scale than their garage. There's a lot of talent here (especially in the punk, and DJ scene) however it's very hard to get exposure for DJ's, punk, underground hip-hop, singer songwriter, etc. outside of lame open mic's and hole in the wall bars. As far as radio is concerned here locally it's all mainstream except for our community radio, which is great but geared a little more for the 35 and older crowd (which is no problem, but there's not a whole lot that's not mainstream for age's below). I'ed like to run the format in the way of having a punk show, or a hip-hp show, DJ show etc. and give several hour segment's to different genre's and/or split it up between day's and have an electronic day, etc. I'm new to internet broadcast, however, I'm not new to music and work at a studio as well own a small home production studio. I see the music scene and I don't think people need to leave this area for Miami or Orlando to be heard. I'ed like to be able to give my local scene a voice through broadcast, and the internet seems to be the perfect medium especially after I researched and communicated with the FCC and realized that I'ed probobly be looking at $150,00 prior to my application being approved or even accepted...pretty corrupt. WIth the music I've heard on the internet it seem's like this is the real deal and the next/present big movement.

[rm81dragon]

I dig your site as well, how do you financially keep your station running with working DJ's etc. Is it all through pledge's or hosting gig's. I see you had a show in Maitland, Florida, where about's is that? North, Central, South Florida? Is that where you guy's are located? Keep up the good work.

[DJ Killer]

heh thanks, we keep it running with volunteer dj's, i pay for it out of my company's cash flow via Contiga Digital Entertainment. Maitland is in central. I am about 1 - 2 hours from you depending on I-4 traffic. I may be interested in putting you on air under the CDE environment

[rm81dragon]

I'ed be down, I'll email you through your web site.

[SorceryKid]

Hi rm81dragon:

That's interesting what you are doing. I actually DJ industrial electronic and post punk so I definitely can understand what you mean about exposure for the underground artists. If you are at all interested, I have a lot of CD-Rs of sets I've spun at clubs that you are more than welcome to put on your station. Just drop me a note.

Regards,

--Randall

[yowhat2002]

is it possible to have a disclaimer saying something like: This Site Is NOT responsible for anything played on its radio station, if you have a problem with that dont listen.

[FesterHead]

Sure you can display that.

Although I'm not sure if it is legally binding/correct.

If you are the dj/source, then you are responsible.

Unless, of course, you've been kidnapped/hijacked and a forced under duress to broadcast certain items. In that case, you shouldn't be posting in the forums. Dial 911 (or equivalent emergency number) or contact your local authorities as soon as possible.

[DJ Killer]

hmm if you quoted the Internet Privacy Act signed by bill clinton from 1995 then yes its somewhat a legal binding contract unless ac ourt intervenes.