What follows is an introduction to the copyright issues facing student broadcasters in a technologically diverse and evolving environment. Along with a brief history of recording copyright, this article examines both the House and Senate versions of the Performance Rights Act and provides some basic advice on how to best advocate as student broadcasters. Finally, it concludes by putting the debate surrounding radio copyright fees in the broader context of an industry transitioning toward a digital future.
Tag: Fall 2010
Spill-bound students
When Zachary Goldstein, contributing writer for the Florida State View, traveled to Dauphin Island on the Gulf Coast to cover the oil spill for his first big assignment, he knew it wouldn't be easy.
Preparing for the reporting environment of an environmental disaster
Covering an environmental disaster can be difficult for student journalists -- not only do they have to work on nailing a really great story, but they have to consider everything from personal safety to dealing with emotionally traumatized sources.
Journalists fight FERPA as they try to access information on award distribution
Some journalists have found that when it comes to scholarships, it's not a matter of financial need or academic qualifications, but of who you know. But getting at that information has required surmounting some freedom-of-information roadblocks.
Ride-alongs present complex legal, ethical challenges for student reporters
Ride-alongs with police officers can be effective in giving reporter's an insider's view of the police department and its operations, but there are ethical and legal considerations student journalists should be aware of before embarking on one.
Winning the battle, losing the war
Although it has been three years since Ocean County College settled a First Amendment lawsuit brought by three student journalists, former staff members claim most of the settlement terms were never met.
Handling hate speech
Journalists are trained to value and defend freedom of speech for everyone, even those with extreme views whose opinions may offend listeners. But when speakers use the student media to mock or criticize minority groups, student journalists have faced backlash from their campuses that can put college financial support at risk.
Students are forced to defend their journalistic work before student conduct boards and judicial hearings
College journalists are accustomed to facing angry letters, nasty e-mails and dirty looks from the campus officials they cover. But lately, some have been faced with a much more intimidating response to their newsgathering: disciplinary charges before student conduct boards.
Divining retaliation from a shrinking budget
With duct taped mouths and signs sporting slogans such as ''No Newspaper, No Voice,'' students at Fremont High School protested the school's decision to cancel the journalism class for the 2010-2011 school year.
Committees, controversies and cuts: College media programs lose funds
Budget problems are hitting college newspapers hard, and the motives behind them are sometimes ambiguous, with money woes used as a smokescreen for penalizing editorial content.