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
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/7) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Deadly Texas Floods Aftermath
2. Trump Announces More Tariffs
3. Netanyahu Visits Trump
4. Musk’s “America Party”
5. Epstein “Client List” Controversy
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Deadly Texas Floods
2. Big, Beautiful Bill Passes
3. Musk’s “America Party”
4. Netanyahu to Meet with Trump
5. DOJ: No Epstein Client List
Iconic broadcasting industry trade publication, TALKERS is pleased to announce that it will again be teaming up with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) in presenting and sponsoring the forthcoming IBSNYC26 conference for the second consecutive year. The event will again take place at the centrally located Sheraton Times Square hotel in midtown Manhattan and embrace the “Generations” theme that
made last year’s mingling of student and professional broadcasters such a resounding success. The dates are set for Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “There are exciting things happening at the radio stations and communication departments of high school, college, and university campuses across America. These institutions and creative outposts embody a spirit emanating from its practitioners as well as its audiences that bode well for the future of general radio, talk media and digital communications. This tremendous source of talent, ideas and energy has been burgeoning right under the noses of our professional industry for years. It’s time to harness that obvious synergy at this pivotal juncture.” More details including agenda, registration, hotel and sponsorship information will be posted in TALKERS in the coming weeks. Save the dates!
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/2) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill Debate
2. Asylum Claim Ruling
3. Paramount Settles Trump Suit
4. U.S.-Japan Trade Talks
5. Trump vs Powell
The most discussed stories yesterday (7/1) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill Debate / Musk-Trump Feud
2. Trump Visits “Alligator Alcatraz”
3. Paramount Settles Trump Suit
4. Israel-Gaza War
5. Trump Threatens Mamdani
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/30) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill Debate / Musk-Trump Feud
2. “Alligator Alcatraz” to Open
3. Trump vs Harvard
4. Israel Strikes in Gaza
5. Kohberger Guilty Plea
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Big, Beautiful Bill
2. Idaho Firefighter Shooting
3. Iran Strikes Post-Mortem
4. Israel’s Gaza Strikes
5. Tillis Won’t Run for Reelection
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/23-27) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Iran Strikes Aftermath / MAGA “Civil War”
2. SCOTUS Friday Rulings
3. Trump at NATO
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. ICE Raids / SCOTUS Deportation Ruling
6. Mamdani NYC Primary Victory
7. Powell Testimony / Trump Fed Nomination
8. SCOTUS Planned Parenthood Ruling
9. ASIP RSV Recommendation
10.Bezos-Sanchez Wedding
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
3. Pete Hegseth
4. Marjorie Taylor Greene / Rand Paul
5. Tucker Carlson / Steven K. Bannon
6. Mark Rutte
7. Mike Johnson
8. Zohran Mamdani / Andrew Cuomo
9. Jerome Powell
10.Jeff Bezos / Lauren Sanchez
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/25) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Iran Strikes Aftermath
2. Trump at NATO Summit
3. Mamdani’s NYC Primary Victory
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. ICE Raids
The TALKERS editorial board has announced the date of the 2025 edition of the TALKERS “100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” – also known as the TALKERS “Heavy Hundred.” The prestigious list will be posted Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
This will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the most popular annual features published by TALKERS magazine since its debut as a list of 25 in 1995 (it expanded to 100 in 1996) and comes in conjunction this Summer with TALKERS magazine’s 35th anniversary as a broadcasting industry trade journal.
According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “The criteria for inclusion in the class of 2025 will remain radio-centric, however, with additional weight given to influence wielded in associated talk media platforms such as audio and video podcasting along with other means of online distribution appropriate to evident changes in the industry.” Casey adds, “But the criteria that all inductees in the Heavy Hundred must have a regularly scheduled professional show on the air at a minimum of one terrestrial or satellite radio station at ‘press time’ will continue.”
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/24) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Iran Strikes Aftermath
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. Trump at NATO Summit
4. ICE Raids
5. NYC Mayoral Primary
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/23) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Israel-Iran Truce / U.S. Iran Strikes
2. SCOTUS Deportation Ruling
3. MAGA “Civil War”
4. Powell’s House Testimony
5. NYC Mayoral Primary
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. U.S. Strikes on Iran
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. Israel-Iran Bombings
4. ICE Raids
5. Heat Dome Scorching Eastern U.S.
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/16-20) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. Israel-Iran Conflict / Trump Mulls Involvement
2. MAGA “Civil War”
3. ICE Raids / Protests & Arrests
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. Hortman Assassination / Lawmakers Safety Concerns
6. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
7. Big, Beautiful Bill / Fed Holds on Interest Rates
8. DC Military Parade
9. Tariffs / China Trade Negotiations
10.Hurricane Erick
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Benjamin Netanyahu / Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
3. Pete Hegseth / Tulsi Gabbard
4. Vladimir Putin
5. Tucker Carlson / Steven K. Bannon
6. Brad Lander / Alex Padilla
7. Kristi Noem
8. Vance Boelter / Melissa Hortman
9. Jerome Powell
10.Barack Obama
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/18) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Mulls Involvement
2. ICE Raids / Student Visa Process
3. SCOTUS Transgender Ruling
4. Lawmaker Safety Concerns
5. Hurricane Erick
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/17) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Israel-Iran Strikes / U.S. Weighs Military Action
2. Russia-Ukraine War
3. ICE Raids-Protests / NY Comptroller Arrested
4. Big, Beautiful Bill
5. Hortman Assassination
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/16) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Trump at G7
2. Israel-Iran Strikes
3. Hortman Assassination
4. Russia-Ukraine War
5. ICE Protests
The most discussed stories over the weekend on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinated
2. DC Military Parade
3. Israel-Iran Strikes
4. ICE Protests / “No Kings Day”
5. Big, Beautiful Bill
Here are the most talked about stories of the past week (6/9-6/13) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS:
Stories
1. LA Protests / Trump Calls in Military
2. Big, Beautiful Bill / Trump Musk Feud
3. U.S.-Iran Tensions / Middle East Diplomats Recalled
4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations / Tariffs
5. Saturday’s Military Parade
6. Russia-Ukraine War
7. FEMA Phaseout / RFK Jr Fires CDC Vaccine Panel
8. Israel-Gaza Unrest / Greta Thunberg Deported
9. Brian Wilson Dies
10.Air India Crash
People
1. Donald Trump
2. Gavin Newsom / Karen Bass
3. Elon Musk
4. Mike Johnson
5. Benjamin Netanyahu / Greta Thunberg
6. Howard Lutnick
7. Xi Jinping
8. Vladimir Putin
9. RFK Jr.
10.Brian Wilson
To see the full TALKERS Stories, Topics, and People Charts, please click HERE.
The most discussed stories yesterday (6/11) on news/talk radio and related talk media according to TALKERS research:
1. LA Protests / Trump’s Use of Military
2. U.S.-Iran Tensions / Middle East Diplomats Recalled
3. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations / Tariffs
4. Saturday’s Military Parade
5. Brian Wilson Dies