The most discussed stories yesterday (8/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump-Zelensky-EU Meeting
2. More Guard Troops to DC
3. The Epstein Files
4. Trump on Mail-In and Voting Machines
5. Newsmax-Dominion Settlement
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump-Putin Meeting
2. Guard Troops in DC
3. Texas & California Redistricting
4. The Epstein Files
5. ICE Raids
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
Imagine SiriusXM acquires the complete Howard Stern archive – every show, interview, and on-air moment. Months later, it debuts “Howard Stern: The AI Sessions,” a series of new segments created with artificial intelligence trained on that archive. The programming is labeled AI-generated, yet the voice, timing, and style sound like Stern himself.
Owning the recordings might suggest the right to create new works from them. In reality, the answer is more complicated – and the music industry offers a useful comparison.
Music Industry Precedent
Sony, Universal, and others have spent hundreds of millions buying music catalogs from artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Queen. These deals often include both composition rights and master recordings, giving the buyer broad control over licensing and derivative works.
In music, the song and the recording are the assets. In talk content, the defining element is the host’s persona – voice, cadence, and delivery – which changes the legal analysis when creating new material.
Copyright and Persona Rights
Buying a talk archive usually transfers copyright in the recordings and any scripts. That permits rebroadcast, excerpts, and repackaging of original programs.
It does not automatically transfer the host’s right of publicity – control over commercial use of their name, likeness, and in many states, their distinctive voice. In Midler v. Ford Motor Co. (1988), the court ruled that imitating Bette Midler’s voice in a commercial without consent was an unauthorized use of her identity.
This means a company can own the shows without having the right to make new performances in the host’s voice unless the contract clearly grants that right.
The AI Factor
AI technology can replicate a host’s voice, tone, and style with high accuracy, producing entirely new programming.
Outside broadcasting, a recent AI-generated George Carlin special – written by humans but performed by a voice model trained on decades of his work – sparked debate about rights and legacy.
In talk radio, similar AI use could create “new” episodes featuring well-known hosts. Even with clear labeling, right-of-publicity claims may arise if the host or their estate never authorized it. Disclaimers may address consumer confusion but do not remove identity-rights issues.
Why It Matters
This applies to more than national figures. Any broadcaster or podcaster with a substantial archive could face it. Selling or licensing a library could give the buyer the tools to replicate your voice without your participation.
For buyers, the ability to produce new content from archived material has commercial appeal. But without the right to use the host’s voice for new works, it carries significant legal and reputational risk.
Contracts Decide
The key is in the contract:
— Did the talent assign rights to their name, likeness, and voice for future works?
— Is use limited to original recordings or extended to derivative works?
— Does it address future technologies, including AI?
Older agreements often omit these points, leaving courts to decide. Future contracts will likely address AI directly.
Takeaways
For talent: Know what you are transferring. Copyright ownership does not necessarily include your future voice.
For buyers: Owning an archive does not automatically give you the right to create AI-generated new material in the original host’s voice.
For everyone: As AI advances, control over archives will depend on the contracts that govern them.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariffs Go into Effect
2. Deadly CDC Shooting
3. Trump Federal Takeover of DC
4. Trump-Putin Meeting
5. Israel’s Gaza City Takeover
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (8/4-8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Trump Tariffs
2. The Economy / Fed Policy
3. Texas Redistricting Battle
4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
5. The Epstein Files
6. Fort Stewart Shooting
7. ICE Raids / Detention Camp Plans
8. Israel-Gaza War
9. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
10.Sydney Sweeney Controversy
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jerome Powell
3. Greg Abbott
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell
6. Quornelius Radford
7. Kristi Noem
8. Pam Bondi
9. Benjamin Netanyahu
10.Sydney Sweeney
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/6) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs Kick In
2. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting
3. Fort Stewart Shooting
4. ICE Raids
5. Israel-Gaza War
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/5) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Economy / Trump vs The Fed
2. Sanctions on Russia
3. Tariffs
4. Texas Redistricting Battle
5. The Epstein Files
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
You did everything right – or so you thought. You used a short clip, added commentary, or reshared something everyone else was already posting. Then one day, a notice shows up in your inbox. A takedown. A demand. A legal-sounding, nasty-toned email claiming copyright infringement, and asking for payment.
You’re confused. You’re cautious. And maybe you’re already reaching for the fair use defense.
But hold on. Before you argue about what you used, ask something simpler: Does the party accusing you actually own the rights?
Two Main Reasons People Send Copyright Notices
1. They believe they’re right – and they want to fix it. Sometimes the claim is legitimate. A rights-holder sees their content used without permission and takes action. They may send a DMCA takedown, request removal, or ask for a license fee. Whether it’s a clip, an image, or a music bed – the law is on their side if your use wasn’t authorized.
2. They’re casting a wide net – or making a mistake. Other times, you’ve landed in a mass enforcement dragnet. Some companies send thousands of notices hoping a few people will pay – whether or not the claim is strong, or even valid. These are often automated, sometimes sloppy, and occasionally bluffing. The sender may not own the rights. They may not even know if what you used was fair use, public domain, or licensed.
Mistakes happen. Bots misidentify content. Images get flagged that were never protected. Even legitimate copyright holders sometimes act too fast. But once a notice goes out, it can become your problem – unless you respond wisely.
The First Thing to Check Is Ownership
Most creators instinctively argue fair use or say they meant no harm. But those aren’t the first questions a lawyer asks.
The first question is: “Do they have standing to bring the claim?”
In many cases, the answer is unclear or flat-out “no.” Courts have dismissed copyright lawsuits where the claimant couldn’t show ownership or any active licensing interest. If they can’t demonstrate control over the work – and actual market harm – they may not have the right to sue.
What To Do If You Get a Notice
— Don’t panic. Not all claims are valid – and not all claimants are in a position to enforce them.
— Don’t assume fair use will protect you. It might, but only after ownership is clear.
— Don’t engage emotionally. Responding flippantly can escalate things fast.
— Do get help early. A media attorney can help you assess whether the claim is real – and whether the sender has any legal ground at all.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
The most discussed stories yesterday (8/4) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Texas Redistricting Battle
2. Tariffs
3. ICE Raids / Detention Camps Plans
4. DOJ’s Trump-Russia Investigation
5. Sydney Sweeney Controversy
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Tariff Deals
2. Jobs Numbers / Erika McEntarfer Fired
3. Texas Redistricting Controversy
4. The Epstein Files
5. Loni Anderson Dies
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/28-8/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariff Deals
3. Fed Interest Rates Policy
4. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
5. Colleges Settle with Trump
6. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
7. ICE Raids
8. Texas Redistricting Map
9. Russia-Ukraine War
10.Deadly NYC Shooting
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Bill Clinton
5. Barack Obama / Joe Biden
6. Jerome Powell
7. Benjamin Netanyahu
8. Mike Johnson
9. Vladimir Putin
10.Shane Tamura
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
2. The Epstein Files
3. Tech Stocks Soar
4. Fed Holds Interest Rates
5. Trade Deals
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/29) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Colleges Settle with Trump Administration
2. The Fed and Interest Rates
3. The Epstein Files
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Many readers and subscribers of TALKERS trace their radio industry roots back to the golden days when the radio programming and record promotion businesses were so symbiotic that the major trade publication serving this two-headed conglomeration was actually called Radio & Records: “The Industry’s Newspaper.”
On September 10, 2025, music and radio industry veterans from across the USA will come together at the 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion. The event will again take place at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Music Industry Reunion prides itself on bringing together the best of the music business from around the world for this special evening of memories, laughter, and hugs. Past reunions in New York and Los Angeles have reunited over 500 industry influencers, industry legends and icons as well as the brightest radio, music, management, publicity, and marketing professionals in the business. Attendees can enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres as well as chips and salsa, along with $5 tequila shots. Additionally, the Sagebrush Cantina’s full menu will be available to purchase.
According to TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, “For those of us who were lucky enough to be a part of that wild and crazy chapter of pop culture biz history – especially as it played out in Southern California – this is one of the greatest, most beloved industry events of the year… pure history, nostalgia, and fun!”
Advance tickets are $35 (+Eventbrite service processing fee) and available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10th
The luxurious Anza Hotel has King Suites available at a special Music Industry Reunion rate of $118, which includes access to the hotel’s bar, pool, gym, and free parking. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the event. Use Code: 250911LA10 at 818.222.5300 or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/mir10hotel
Connect with The Music Industry Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MusicBusinessReunion The 10th Annual Music Industry Reunion is coordinated by legendary music biz promoters Jon Scott and Kenny Ryback. Jon Scott 818.601.1283 jonpaulscott@gmail.com Kenny Ryback 747.666.5465 kenny.ryback@gmail.com
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/28) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Gaza Starvation Controversy
3. Fed Interest Rate
4. Deadly NYC Shooting
5. U.S.-E.U. Trade Deal
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files / Maxwell Interviews
2. U.S.-EU Tariff Deal
3. Trump in Scotland
4. Trump vs The Fed
5. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/21-7/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
3. Trump Negotiates with Colleges
4. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
5. Gaza Violence-Food Crisis
6. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
7. ICE Raids
8. Coldplay Couple
9. Extreme Weather
10.Ozzy Osbourne/Malcom Jamal Warner/Hulk Hogan/Chuck Mangione Deaths
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Ghislaine Maxwell
4. Jerome Powell
5. Mike Johnson
6. Scott Bessent
7. Marco Rubio
8. Andy Byron / Kristin Cabot
9. Ozzy Osbourne / Malcolm Jamal Warner
10.Hulk Hogan / Chuck Mangione
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/223) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Columbia & Harvard Cases
3. The Economy / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Tariffs
It was 35 years ago today (July 23, 1990) that the first edition of TALKERS rolled off the presses. Then a
newsprint tabloid, TALKERS proclaimed that “talk radio” was, indeed, an “industry within an industry” and worthy of its own, unique full-service trade publication. Founded by pioneering radio broadcaster (KMET, WNEW-FM, WLIR-FM, WCBS-FM, WPIX, KPRI, CBS, Westwood One, RKO) Michael Harrison, who also brought his experience with publications including Radio & Records, Goodphone Weekly, and Billboard to the table, the independent journal went on to produce annual conferences, numerous radio shows, and contribute to the ongoing success and influence of a variety of spoken word formats and talk media offshoots.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/22) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. House Approves “Golden Dome” Funding
3. U.S.-Japan Tariff Deal
4. Trump vs Powell
5. Ozzy Osbourne Dies
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/21) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. Tariffs / Trump vs Powell
3. MLK Jr. Files Released
4. Malcolm-Jamal Warner Death
5. Gaza Violence
By Matthew B. Harrison
TALKERS, VP/Associate Publisher
Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner
Goodphone Communications, Executive Producer
A radio (or video podcast) host grabs a viral clip, tosses in some sharp commentary, and shares it online. The goal? Make some noise. The result? A takedown notice for copyright infringement – and then a letter threatening a defamation suit.
Sound far-fetched? It’s not. In today’s media world, copyright misuse and defamation risks often run on parallel tracks – and sometimes crash into each other. They come from different areas of law, but creators are finding themselves tangled up in both over the same piece of content.
Copyright Protects Ownership. Defamation Protects Reputation
It’s easy to think of copyright and defamation as two separate beasts. One guards creative work. The other shields reputation. But when creators use or edit someone else’s content – especially for commentary, parody, or critique – both risks can hit at once.
Take Smith v. Summit Entertainment LLC (2007). Smith wrote an original song. Summit Entertainment slapped him with a false DMCA takedown notice, claiming copyright they didn’t actually own. Smith fought back, suing not just for the bogus takedown but also for defamation, arguing that Summit’s public accusations hurt his reputation. The court said both claims could go forward.
That case shows just how easily copyright claims and defamation threats can pile up when bad information meets bad behavior.
Murphy v. Millennium Radio: A Close Call with a Clear Message
In Murphy v. Millennium Radio Group LLC, a New Jersey radio station scanned a photographer’s work – with his credit – and posted it online without permission. That alone triggered a copyright claim. But the hosts didn’t stop there. They mocked the photographer on-air, which sparked a defamation lawsuit.
Even though the copyright and defamation claims came from different actions – using the photo without permission and trash-talking the photographer – they landed in the same legal fight. It’s a reminder that separate problems can quickly become one big headache.
Why This Double Threat Matters
— Fair Use Isn’t a Free Pass on Defamation. Even if you have a solid fair use argument, that won’t protect you if your edits or commentary twist facts or attack someone unfairly.
— Public Comments Can Double Your Trouble. The second you speak publicly about how you’re using content – whether you’re bragging about rights you don’t have or taking a shot at someone – you risk adding a defamation claim on top of an IP dispute.
— Smart Lawyers Play Both Angles. Plaintiffs know the playbook. They’ll use copyright claims for takedown leverage and defamation claims for reputational damage – sometimes in the same demand letter.
— FCC Rules Don’t Cover This. It doesn’t matter if you’re FCC-regulated or a podcaster on your own. These risks come from civil law – and they’re coming for everyone.
The Takeaway
The overlap between copyright and defamation isn’t just a legal footnote – it’s a growing reality. In a world of viral clips, reaction videos, and borrowed content, creators need to watch how they frame and comment on what they use, just as much as whether they have permission to use it in the first place.
Because when one clip cuts two ways, you could take a hit from both directions.
Matthew B. Harrison is a media and intellectual property attorney who advises radio hosts, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs. He has written extensively on fair use, AI law, and the future of digital rights. Reach him at Matthew@HarrisonMediaLaw.com or read more at TALKERS.com.
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. The Epstein Files
2. The Economy / Interest Rates
3. ICE Raids
4. Gaza Violence
5. Extreme Weather-Flooding
GuestBooker.com, one of the talk media industry’s leading public relations firms and the lead sponsor of the 2025 TALKERS Heavy Hundred, is making a limited number of its new 118th Congressional Directory
available free of charge to the first 200 TALKERS readers who respond to the offer. This valuable resource is packed with contact information to reach Members of Congress and their key staffers. To put your name on the list, please click here.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/14-7/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. The Epstein Controversy / MAGA Rift
2. Congress Passes DOGE Cuts
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. Trump Tariffs
5. ICE Raids
6. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
7. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
8. FEMA Criticisms / Texas Foods Aftermath
9. Bove Nomination
10.Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi / Dan Bongino
4. Ghislaine Maxwell
5. Jerome Powell
6. Stephen Miller
7. Vladimir Putin
8. Kristi Noem / David Richardson
9. Emil Bove
10. Rosie O’Donnell
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Senate Passes DOGE Cuts
2. The Epstein Case / MAGA Rift
3. Financial Markets Activity / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Russia Intensifies Ukraine Strikes
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/15) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein Case Controversies
2. Russian Strikes on Ukraine / Trump Threatens Sanctions
3. Inflation Ticks Up / Trump vs Powell
4. ICE Raids
5. Trump Tariffs
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/14) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. SCOTUS Education Dept. Ruling
2. Epstein Case Controversies
3. Trump Reverses Course on Ukraine
4. EU and Mexico Tariffs
5. The Economy / Inflation
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
2. Death at California ICE Raid
3. Trump’s Tariffs / Financial Markets Activity
4. Fed Renovations Criticism
5. Trump vs Rosie O’Donnell
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (7/7-7/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Deadly Texas Floods / Warning System Scrutiny
2. Epstein “Client List” Mystery
3. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling / IRS Churches Ruling
4. Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Order
5. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
6. Russia Bombs Kyiv / Trump-Putin Tensions
7. Trump Tariffs
8. Musk’s “America Party”
9. Netanyahu-Trump Visit
10.Iran Nuclear Capabilities
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Jeffrey Epstein
3. Pam Bondi
4. Stephen Miller
5. Karoline Leavitt
6. Vladimir Putin
7. Elon Musk
8. Benjamin Netanyahu
9. Greg Abbott
10.Jerome Powell
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/9) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump Tariffs
2. Texas Floods Aftermath
3. ICE Raids / Masked Agents Controversy
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Bedford Confirmed as FAA Administrator
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/8) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. SCOTUS Mass Firings Ruling
2. Trump-Putin Tensions
3. Texas Floods Aftermath
4. Trump Suggests Feds Run DC
5. IRS Churches Ruling