Old Time Radio collection at archive.org

Subject: RE: Old Time Radio collection at archive.org
From: Will Fly
Date: 13 Nov 09 - 04:58 AM

Hi AC - the site is in the US. I'm not sure what the copyright laws are like in the US but over here (UK) as far as I'm aware, the copyright period for recorded music is 50 years - perhaps radio programmes fall into that category in the US. More knowledgeable US 'Catters will correct us, I'm sure. :-)

Subject: RE: Old Time Radio collection at archive.org
From: Artful Codger
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 06:43 PM

One thing puzzles me: how can radio programs from the 50s already be in the public domain? Is the archive site based in Australia (the only country I'm aware of with reasonable copyright periods.) I know there are a number of sites featuring downloadable old-time radio programs, but I wonder how they get away with it.

Subject: Old Time Radio collection at archive.org
From: Will Fly
Date: 12 Nov 09 - 05:36 PM

I've been a fan of the 1951 Jack Webb film "Pete Kelley's Blues" since I first saw it in London in the 60s.

I hadn't realised there was a US radio series of the same name - also starring Webb - based loosely on the style of the film. Even better, I discovered some recordings of this series and other radio programmes at www.archive.org. Other 'Catters have probably known about this site for much longer than me but - for those that haven't - there's a wealth of freely downloadable old music, radio programmes and other stuff. All in the public domain and legally downloadable or listenable to, or so it appears.