Am I allowed to quote excerpts from newspaper articles in my podcast?
May 22, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I run a podcast where I discuss current topics and developments from various newspapers. I would like to quote excerpts from newspaper articles to inform my listeners about the latest news. However, I am unsure if I am allowed to do this without facing legal consequences.
Currently, I gather information for my podcast from various reputable newspapers and would like to use them in my own show to provide my listeners with an overview of current events. I am aware that these are protected works, but I am unsure if I, as a podcaster, can quote and use the content.
My concerns are that I may be infringing on copyright and might have to face claims for damages or warnings. Therefore, it is very important for me to know if I can legally use excerpts from newspaper articles in my podcast or if I need to obtain permission from the respective publishers.
Could you please inform me if it is legally allowed to quote excerpts from newspaper articles in my podcast? Are there any specific regulations or exceptions in media law that allow me to use this content? I would greatly appreciate any possible solutions or recommendations from your side.
Thank you in advance for your support and legal advice.
Sincerely,
Siegfried Kessler
Dear Mr. Kessler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of excerpts from newspaper articles in your podcast. As a media law attorney, I can assist you and provide important information on this subject.
It is important to know that newspaper articles are considered copyrighted works. This means that using excerpts from these articles without the author's permission can be legally problematic. However, there are certain exceptions and regulations in the copyright law that may allow you to use the content nonetheless.
One way to cite excerpts from newspaper articles in your podcast without violating copyright is to use the quotation right. The quotation right allows you to quote short passages from copyrighted works to support your opinion or argumentation, for example. It is important that the quotes are used appropriately and in a factual context.
You can also rely on the quotation right within the scope of reporting. If you use excerpts from newspaper articles in your podcast to inform about current events and stimulate public discussion, this could fall under the freedom of reporting and therefore be allowed.
However, it is important to note that the exact interpretation of copyright and the quotation right can vary on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, I recommend consulting a media law attorney if you are unsure, to get a precise legal assessment. It may also be advisable to request permission from the respective publishers to use the content, to play it safe and avoid potential legal conflicts.
I hope this information helps you and gives you a clear idea of how you can use excerpts from newspaper articles in your podcast. If you have any further questions or need more detailed advice, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Edith Fischer
Media Law Attorney
