Feed Item

Consenting to live phone calls on an un-syndicated web stream is a minefield of potential liabilities. Without proper disclaimers, your station may be setting itself up for costly lawsuits.

In the US, FCC rules mandate that radio and TV stations must obtain written consent from callers before broadcasting their voices, especially if they contain sensitive or disturbing content. However, these rules have some caveats: web streams are treated differently, and online broadcasting often slips through the cracks due to a lack of clear regulations.

To mitigate these risks, web streamers should clearly state their intent to record and broadcast live calls in their website's terms of service and privacy policy. Consider adding a disclaimer at the beginning of each broadcast, explicitly informing listeners that they're giving consent to be aired. Keep detailed records of consent agreements and maintain a clear process for handling sensitive or concerning content.