Copyright Guide for Community Broadcasters
Understanding copyright is an essential part of running a community radio station. Whether you're broadcasting music, sharing interviews, producing podcasts, reading published works on-air or creating content for websites and social media, copyright law affects how content can be used, shared and distributed.
To help community broadcasters navigate these responsibilities, the Australian Copyright Council has developed the Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters. Created with input from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), the guide provides practical information about common copyright questions faced by stations, staff and volunteers.
What the guide covers
Presented in a question-and-answer format, the guide explores topics including:
- Copyright ownership of station content, programs and broadcasts
- Copyright arrangements for staff, volunteers and presenters
- Music licensing requirements, including APRA AMCOS and PPCA licences
- Using music in broadcasts, online streaming, podcasts, station promos and sponsorship announcements
- Broadcasting live performances and obtaining performer permissions
- Reading books, newspapers, poetry and other written works on-air
- Using excerpts, sound bites and third-party content in broadcasts
- Copyright considerations for images, photographs and online content
- Copyright exceptions, including fair dealing and disability access provisions
- Practical case studies illustrating common scenarios faced by community broadcasters.
The guide also includes links to additional resources from the Australian Copyright Council and relevant rights management organisations to support stations seeking further information.
About the Australian Copyright Council
The Australian Copyright Council is an independent, non-profit organisation and Australia's leading source of information on copyright law. Through publications, education and advocacy, the Council helps creators, users and organisations understand their rights and responsibilities under Australian copyright legislation.
This guide has been prepared by the Australian Copyright Council specifically for the community broadcasting sector, with input from the CBAA to ensure the examples and guidance reflect the realities of community radio operations. It is intended as an educational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Stations requiring advice about their particular circumstances should seek independent legal assistance.
