How to use Facebook Live

Facebook Live is a great way to engage with your audience and provide them with an insight into your studio, your events and your broadcasts.

NPR's Facebook Live guide

Since NPR started using Facebook Live, the network has created more than 1,375 videos. They’ve broadcast from 23 states and 19 countries and they've put together this resource to share their experiences and tips.

Copyright and Facebook Live

It's important to keep in mind the Facebook Statement of Rights and Responsibilities when using the platform to broadcast live content. Facebook does not allow users to post content that violates someone else’s intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademark.

This is important for community broadcasters because you want to make sure that any content you livestream on Facebook (eg a live performance of a song) is not in breach of your APRA AMCOS licence.

On the matter, APRA AMCOS say:

The APRA AMCOS Community Radio Licence Agreement only covers stations for streaming and podcasting on the station’s website.

In regards to Facebook, APRA AMCOS currently reserve their rights to licence the communication of copyright musical works on Facebook. It is Facebook’s responsibility, as the service that is communicating and benefiting from the content needs to hold the licence with APRA AMCOS.

In regards to clearing the synchronisation and master rights stations will need to contact the publishers and record label directly.

Facebook Live is a powerful tool, which allows you to share what's going on in your studio, and can help broaden your station's reach and audience. However, stations are not currently licensed to livestream music or musical performances - consider streaming your broadcasters speaking, interviews (with permission of the interviewee of course!), giveaways, your OB set ups, studio tours, volunteer meet & greets... There are lots of options!