Laws and Regulations Affecting Program Production

Copyright, Labor, and Other Program Rights
Defamation and Libel
Obligations of Broadcasters Which May Affect the Program Producer
Use of Taped Conversations
Non-discrimination
Resource Materials

Since broadcasting is a regulated industry, numerous federal and state laws and regulations apply to public and commercial radio stations. For the most part, these are obligations imposed on the broadcaster, not on the program producer. However, the program producer is also bound by a series of laws, including those which the broadcaster seeks to fulfill through the program producer, as well as laws applicable directly to the program producer, such as copyright and libel laws.

The PRSS website makes no attempt to address comprehensively all laws which apply to broadcasters and program producers; rather, it summarizes the current status of those laws which most directly affect program producers. Because of the complexity of these laws, and the changes to which any body of law is constantly subject, the program producer should consult his/her own legal counsel to obtain further analysis and advice regarding the listed laws and any other laws. The NPR General Counsel's Office cannot render legal advice to individual stations or program producers.