NEW YORK — It has become commonplace for opposing groups and interests to use the Internet to focus widespread public attention on audio and/or video clips culled from live broadcasts and personal appearances to “out” or embarrass their opponents, competitors or simply those with whom they disagree.
In an era where electronic transcriptions (recordings) can be distorted and “virally” mass distributed — often out of context — for the sole purpose of inflicting damage to people’s images and interests, it is important that broadcasters, especially those in the contentious world of talk media, understand their legal rights and responsibilities regarding copyright infringement issues and law.