Legal Questions

[MusicGuy]

I'm sort of working on my own Podcast, and I was considering on using a U2 song as theme music.

Would it be illegal to use it if I only used a small clip of the song?

[BillClinton]

I'm not sure what would be legal even for a free podcast. Certainly anything that receives any type of payment (advertising, whatever...) even if it is a nonprofit organization, would have to pay fees to utilize any portion no mater how small.

You should be able to google it, or check on one of the podcast websites.

[shadow2200]

it is a VERY GREY area so becarful

[SouthsideIrish]

I don't think it is a grey area at all. If one of the licensing agencies finds out, they will come after you. I read today that ASCAP. I think, is coming out with licensing for podcasts. It will run around $250 U.S. per year.

Bill

[Ichijoe]

$250.00(USD) a year? is that for an all you can eat? or just the one odd Song? I soppose for Theme Song for a ~decent~ Podcast it's not that much especally if you good enough to attract some Advertising revenue. And lets face it for 99.925% of all Podcasts out there THIS IS NOT GONING TO BE WORTH IT!

Adam Curry? Who TF made him the Emporor of all Podcasts? Damn I rather listion to the tirades of 'Don & Drew' then Him!

As for how are were this Podcasting may lead. All I can think about is the compairsions to the Cassete Recorders' (i.e. Walkman), from the 80's...

I think there are some cool Podcasts out there that wouldn't get past the FCC (in the US), 'Whack My Bush' inevitably leaps to Mind. However such content is few and very far inbetween. If things travel there course as they inevitably must. Then I don't see much furture in Podcasting. As it took this long to get where it is today (Thank Apple),. But this High Tide won't last. And once Advertising starts emmass and Podcasting more Radio like. I think less and less People will have an intreset in it. But, for those that can hold there own. A $250.00(USD) Licence sounds like a good deal!

[SouthsideIrish]

You will have to read the all of the nice legal info here.

http://www.ascap.com/weblicense/

Bill