By Matthew B. HarrisonTALKERS VP/Associate PublisherHarrison Media Law, Senior PartnerGoodphone Communications, Executive Producer A radio (or video podcast) host grabs a viral clip, tosses in some sharp commentary, and shares it online. The goal? Make some noise. The result? A takedown notice for copyright infringement – and then a letter threatening a defamation suit. Sound […]
The Soundbite Trap: How Editing in Radio and Podcasting Creates Legal Risk
By Matthew B. HarrisonTALKERS, VP/Associate PublisherHarrison Media Law, Senior PartnerGoodphone Communications, Executive Producer In radio and podcasting, editing isn’t just technical – it shapes narratives and influences audiences. Whether trimming dead air, tightening a guest’s comment, or pulling a clip for social media, every cut leaves an impression. But here’s the legal reality: editing also creates risk. […]
Jimmy Kimmel’s Fair Use Victory: What It Means for Content Creators
By Matthew B. Harrison TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer In a recent high-profile case, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel successfully defended himself against a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by former congressman George Santos. The case, which centered on Kimmel’s use of prank videos involving Santos, highlights the ongoing importance […]
Smoke and Mirrors: Fair Use Lessons from Pop Smoke and Bruno Mars
By Matthew B. HarrisonTALKERS, VP/Associate PublisherHarrison Media Law, Senior PartnerGoodphone Communications, Executive Producer The intersection of copyright and fair use remains a gray area for media creators, especially in music. Two cases – Pop Smoke’s use of an interview clip in Tunnel Vision (Outro) and Bruno Mars’ use of a voicemail from Halle Berry in Calling […]
Fair Use or Foul Play? Lessons from “Equals Three”
By Matthew B. HarrisonTALKERS, VP/Associate PublisherHarrison Media Law, Senior PartnerGoodphone Communications, Executive Producer In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, creators often walk a fine line between inspiration and infringement. The 2015 case of Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc. offers a cautionary tale for anyone producing reaction videos or commentary-based content: fair use […]