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

Question

I am part of a group at my university of telecommunications students who broadcast 4 different television shows across college campus in the US. We do not make a profit. I was wondering if it is legal for us to use less than 30 second clips of copyrighted music in our shows.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

maybe... as listed above.

Check out www.chillingeffects.org for copyright issues in the internet era.

Answer 6

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