I checked the new site, it looks cool. But you need more DnB and Hip Hop DJ’s, too much garage in my opinion. Anyone agree?

AFAIK all internet broadcasters are legal provided they do not transmit copyrighted material without authorisation, break obscenity laws or advocate crimes.

I would expect Lara’s statement is re-assure potential DJ’s they are not broadcasting on a pirate which now carries the risk of their records being confiscated and any nights they promote being montored by cops and other authorities – laws were recently changed to make it easier for Ofcom to take action against pirate broadcasters.

The latest tactics include raiding studios with armed police (due to the gun lyrics of UKG and grime) so I’m not surprised DJ’s have to be reassured they are not going to get any serious beef for playing their music!

There would be a requirement in civil law to negotiate copyright fees with artists and record labels, although I’ve always understood that by tradition labels and artists on the urban music scene accept unlicensed broadcasting by pirate stations without payment of copyright fees in return for the free airplay. (i’m not sure if this is still the case with some urban music labels being bought out by majors.) In many cases the broadcaster and the artist are the same person or from the same crew anyway!

IME most decent net broadcasters follow Ofcom guidelines anyway (such as discouraging swearing at times when kids may be listening and extreme lyrics advocating violence). I personally think thats fine by me as urban music should be a positive thing that makes people rise up rather than put each other down….