Copyright Law Lecture

On Monday 18th September we had a guest lecturer to talk to us about copyright law. The guest speaker was Peter Hodges. He was the former 'Head of Copyright at the BBC.
Knowledge of copyright and how it works enables broadcasts; an article etc to go ahead without any issues, and ensures that anything a journalist produces is protected from copyright issues.
Copyright Law effects sound recordings, broadcasts, books, performances, designs etc. However, an idea cannot be copyrighted.

And you are required to have permission (or pay for permission) if it's used in almost any form. This includes background music, special words, broadcast radio, and photos. Copyright lasts the life of the author/creator plus 70 years after their death. Music and Films copyright lasts 50 years after their death. When items are no longer under the copyright law, they enter the public domain. This means that are available for the public to use and have at any time (i.e. books, radio, article and broadcast available freely available for public use).

If you record someone (such as performing in the street dancing or singing) and intend to broadcast it, you need their written consent beforehand.

Copyright can also limit the amount of certain content that you can use. Someone who has copyrighted material have the right to prevent its usage. This can include preventing people performing a certain piece they created. If you a critic, or expressing views on something you must name who it’s from, giving the author credit/acknowledgement. Contemporary events can be recorded if they are current news events and you had no control over them. The term of ‘Actuality’ is used, meaning you had no control over it.

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