Copyright Compliance Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Towerblock Radio CIC ensures compliance with copyright law in all its broadcasting, streaming, archiving and content activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all content broadcast, streamed, published or archived by Towerblock Radio CIC, including music, mixes, interviews, images, videos and written content.

Definitions

• Copyright means the exclusive legal right to use, reproduce, distribute and adapt creative works, as set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
• Licence means permission granted by a rights holder to use their work.
• PRS for Music means the Performing Right Society, which collects royalties for composers and publishers.
• PPL means Phonographic Performance Limited, which collects royalties for record companies and performers.

Responsibilities

The board ensures copyright compliance. The Programming Lead manages music licensing. The Rights Contact handles takedown requests. All staff and contributors follow the policy.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC respects copyright and ensures that all content used in its activities is properly licensed or used with permission, in compliance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Detailed Procedures

Music licensing

Towerblock Radio CIC maintains appropriate music licences for broadcasting, including:

• PRS for Music licence: for the public performance and broadcast of musical works.
• PPL licence: for the public performance and broadcast of sound recordings.
• Any additional licences required for specific uses (e.g. online streaming, podcasts).

These licences must be current and renewed before expiry.

Submitted music

Music submitted through the Music Submission Terms is reviewed for copyright compliance before broadcast. Submitters must confirm they own or control the rights or have permission to submit.

Promo and dubplate use

• Promo tracks must be used in accordance with the terms set by the label or promoter.
• Dubplates must not be shared or distributed beyond the authorised use.
• DJs must not share private download links.

Sampling and remixes

• DJs and contributors must ensure that any samples used in mixes are cleared or used in accordance with applicable licences.
• Unauthorised remixes or bootlegs must not be broadcast if they infringe copyright.

Archive material

• Archive material must be checked for copyright before use.
• Historic recordings may involve complex rights. Where rights are unclear, material should not be published without assessment.
• See the Recording and Archive Policy for details.

Images and video

• Images and videos used on the website, social media or in broadcasts must be licensed or used with permission.
• Photographer and designer credits must be respected.
• Stock images must be used in accordance with their licence terms.

Written content

• Written content published by Towerblock Radio CIC must be original or properly attributed and licensed.
• Plagiarism is not acceptable.

AI-generated content

• AI-generated content must follow the AI Generated Content Policy.
• Copyright in AI-generated content may be unclear. AI content should not be presented as original human-created work without disclosure.

Reporting Process

Concerns about copyright infringement should be reported to the Rights Contact or via the Rights/Takedown Policy.

Compliance Requirements

• Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
• Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003.
• PRS and PPL licence terms.
• Ofcom Broadcasting Code (where applicable).

Monitoring

The Programming Lead monitors music licensing and compliance. The board reviews copyright compliance annually.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Music Submission Terms
• Rights/Takedown Policy
• Recording and Archive Policy
• AI Generated Content Policy
• Editorial Standards Policy

Website URL slug

/policies/copyright-compliance-policy

Meta Title

Copyright Compliance Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's copyright compliance policy covering music licensing, PRS and PPL, submitted music, promo use, sampling, archive material and images.

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copyright, Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, PRS for Music, PPL, music licensing, sampling, archive