How to Legally Stream Audio Recordings

Audio recordings have been democratized by the Internet, most notably in the form of data streams. These streams connect an audio provider, such as a radio station, with an Internet user to provide entertainment and news. The main legal issue involved in audio recordings streamed to Internet users is whether recording these products is copyright infringement. Internet users should understand the wide range of legitimate ways to stream audio recordings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Listen to music, interviews and news on Internet radio Web sites. These Web sites are often maintained by news networks or MP3 providers in order to promote their products to the general public. Many Internet radio Web sites feature specific genres of music or regional stations to legally meet your audio needs.
2. Stay abreast of the latest legislative trends by reviewing the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Web site (see Resources below). CDT is a national advocacy group that lobbies for legislation and interpretations of copyright laws that favor the general public.
3. Contact the owner of copyrighted audio recordings if you are using audio streams for educational or non-profit purposes. The fair-use doctrine in copyright law may allow the limited use of copyrighted material for such occasions. A phone call or email to the owner of the audio recordings can help determine informal limits for your project.
4. Obtain information on federal law enforcement's approach to audio recordings and data streams through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (see Resources below). The anti-piracy and intellectual-property division of the FBI features information on the repercussions of illegally using a data stream.
5. Read through the legal disclaimers and fine print on a Web site featuring audio streams. Legitimate Web sites will have information on the applicability of artist copyrights as well as how an individual can legally obtain a copy of a particular program. Web sites that do not feature such a disclaimer should be avoided, as they may be infringing upon copyright laws.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with an intellectual-property expert before utilizing streaming-audio programs. A lawyer or professor with experience in communications law can help determine the limits of judicial precedent. These professionals can be found through the American Bar Association or your state's public university system.
• Avoid the strict penalties given for copyright infringement. Federal copyright laws may be murky on recording audio streams for personal use, but they are specific about the distribution and sale of copyrighted material. Those who infringe upon audio copyrights can receive up to six years in prison and a maximum $150,000 fine.