Radio Law Attorneys

Radio broadcasting involves a unique combination of media law, intellectual property, employment law, and federal regulatory compliance. Our firm advises clients operating in terrestrial radio, satellite broadcasting, and digital audio platforms.

Our services include:

Broadcast Licensing & FCC Compliance
Assisting with license applications, renewals, ownership regulations, public inspection file obligations, and advertising disclosure requirements.

Talent Agreements & Syndication Contracts
Negotiating contracts for on-air personalities, producers, and guest contributors with provisions covering compensation, exclusivity, syndication rights, and intellectual property ownership.

Advertising & Sponsorship Deals
Drafting and reviewing advertising agreements to ensure compliance with federal disclosure rules while protecting revenue opportunities.

Music Licensing & Royalties
Advising on licensing obligations with performing rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange, including royalty reporting and payment compliance.

Content Liability & Defamation
Counseling clients on risks associated with live broadcasts, interviews, commentary, and listener call-ins.

Podcast & Digital Audio Rights
Structuring distribution agreements, monetization strategies, and intellectual property protections for podcast networks and streaming audio platforms.

Employment & Union Matters
Handling workplace issues affecting broadcasters, including union relationships, discrimination claims, talent classification issues, and employment agreements.

Federal regulations administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) play a central role in radio station operations. Our attorneys advise broadcasters on maintaining full compliance with FCC rules while minimizing the risk of enforcement actions or fines.

Our FCC compliance services include:

• License transfers and assignments
• FCC enforcement actions and regulatory investigations
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance for broadcasters
• Political broadcasting regulations, including lowest unit charge and equal time rules
• Emergency Alert System (EAS) compliance requirements
• Public inspection file audits and reporting obligations
• Ownership caps and cross-ownership restrictions

We help broadcasters proactively address regulatory risks and maintain compliance with federal licensing requirements.

Radio stations and audio platforms must comply with strict legal rules when broadcasting political advertisements. These regulations are designed to ensure fairness and transparency in election communications.

Our attorneys advise clients on:

• Candidate advertising versus issue-based advertising rules
• Lowest unit rate requirements during election periods
• Equal time obligations for political candidates
• Sponsorship identification requirements for political messaging
• Political file maintenance and compliance
• Risk mitigation strategies for controversial or potentially defamatory advertisements

Careful legal oversight helps broadcasters avoid regulatory violations while maintaining editorial independence.

Our radio and broadcast law attorneys represent a wide range of professionals and organizations within the audio media industry, including:

• Terrestrial AM/FM radio stations
• Satellite radio networks
• College and nonprofit radio stations
• Podcast networks and independent podcasters
• On-air personalities and talk show hosts
• Radio advertisers and media buying agencies
• Syndicators and content distributors
• Digital streaming radio platforms

We tailor our legal strategies to the operational and regulatory needs of each client.

Broadcasting involves a range of legal risks that can affect both live programming and long-term business operations.

Common issues include:

• Liability arising from live broadcasts and caller statements
• Payola and sponsorship disclosure violations
• Contest, giveaway, and sweepstakes compliance requirements
• Signal interference disputes and technical broadcasting issues
• Talent misclassification (employee versus independent contractor)
• Content takedown disputes involving digital platforms

Our attorneys help clients identify these risks early and implement legal safeguards to prevent costly disputes.

Operating a radio station or digital audio platform requires compliance with numerous federal and state regulations. Our attorneys provide guidance to help clients:

• Maintain compliance with FCC regulations and broadcasting standards
• Protect intellectual property rights for music, shows, and original content
• Avoid liability for on-air statements, advertising practices, and digital content distribution
• Structure contracts and employment agreements that reduce legal exposure

By integrating regulatory compliance with strategic legal planning, we help broadcasters operate confidently in a highly regulated industry.

When disputes arise in the broadcasting industry, timely and strategic legal representation is essential. Our attorneys represent clients in matters involving:

• Royalty and licensing disputes
• Contract breaches and talent agreements
• Content liability claims, including defamation allegations
• Regulatory enforcement actions
• Business disputes involving syndication or distribution agreements

We advocate for efficient resolutions through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation while protecting our clients’ reputations and commercial interests.

What regulations govern radio broadcasting in New York?

Radio stations must comply with FCC regulations covering licensing, ownership rules, advertising disclosures, public inspection file requirements, and certain content standards.

Do I need an attorney to negotiate on-air talent contracts?

Yes. Legal counsel helps ensure contracts address compensation, exclusivity provisions, intellectual property rights, and syndication terms to reduce future disputes.

How do music royalties work for radio stations and podcasts?

Stations and digital platforms must license music through performing rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange, and accurately report royalty usage.

What should I do if I face a defamation claim related to broadcasting content?

Consult an attorney immediately. Legal counsel can evaluate liability, develop a defense strategy, and help minimize reputational and financial risk.

Do podcasts need FCC licenses?

Generally, podcasts distributed online are not subject to FCC broadcast licensing requirements. However, they may still face legal obligations related to copyright, advertising disclosures, and defamation law.

What happens if a radio station violates FCC rules?

Violations can lead to fines, license renewal issues, or other enforcement actions by the FCC. Legal counsel can help respond to investigations and develop compliance strategies.

Can radio hosts be personally liable for on-air statements?

Yes. Broadcasters and hosts may face liability for defamatory statements or other unlawful content aired during broadcasts, particularly in live programming environments.

How are advertising disclosures enforced?

Federal agencies such as the FCC and FTC enforce rules requiring proper disclosure of sponsorships and paid advertising, including restrictions related to payola and undisclosed endorsements.

What contracts do radio personalities need?

Radio personalities often require employment agreements, talent contracts, syndication agreements, and intellectual property provisions governing ownership of show content and branding.