Comments on: Is it legal to use a clip of copyrighted music under 30 seconds to broadcast on television?

By: lare

lare — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:06:16 +0000

Television stations have to pay the composer for use of music, including music used in commercials. These are considered “performances” and ASCAP/BMI collects the fees. Most likely the composer is a member of one of these groups, so talk to ASCAP or BMI and get their take on performance fees. It is not unusual to have fees waived for student non-profit performance, but they would be the ones to decide.

By: gomanyes562

gomanyes562 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:59:10 +0000

Depends on what you are doing with it. If it’s an educational show and you’re broadcasting it for academic purposes (for example, as part of a music lecture), it’s OK.

By: mj69catz

mj69catz — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:58:06 +0000

Why chance it. Unless you are very tied to specific music, there are music clips with very fair licenses.
When I was researching some royalty free music for podcasts, I found license agreements that allowed me to use the music on the ‘casts as long as I listed the songs appropriately. Search for something that you can use.

OR since you are at a University, find someone who is into music, and see if they will custom create something for you - win-win situation - they get heard and played, you get music.

By: Barry C

Barry C — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:31:05 +0000

maybe… as listed above.

Check out for copyright issues in the internet era.

By: wyomingrider

wyomingrider — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:43:48 +0000

This would depend on the content of your show(s).

Using clips (duration is not defined) is permitted under the “Fair Use” exemption of the copyright act if they are used for review, educational or discussion purposes.

Using them otherwise (background music for example) may be contrary to copyright law.

By: rogueriverbob

rogueriverbob — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:04:44 +0000

no it is not ,….big brother is watching you,…..