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Hosting a podcast isn't as simple as having a set-up and some opinions; you must attend to legal matters such as a podcast contract. Knowing about the podcast contract is crucial if you plan to host or produce a podcast.
Keep reading to find out all about podcast contracts and how you can write your own.
What is a Podcast Contract?
A podcast contract, also known as a podcast host agreement, is a simple contract that addresses the terms and conditions between the host and producer of the podcast. That includes the posting schedule, compensation, and more.
It's essential to have a podcast contract to ensure that you've taken care of the intellectual property rights from the first day. As a result, all parties are protected from future legal disputes and issues with ownership rights.
A podcast contract goes by many names, such as:
- Podcast Host
- Podcast Host Agreement
- Podcast Host Contract
- Host Agreement for Podcast
- Host Contract for Podcast
Here's an article about podcast contracts.
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What Should Be Included in a Podcast Contract?
Here are the essential factors that a standard podcast contract includes:
- The podcast's name
- The contract's start date
- The recording date
- The release of rights by the podcast host
- The recording's use rights, such as the advertisement and promotion rights
- The parties' rights and responsibilities
- Work-for-hire language
- The transfer of intellectual property rights to the podcast recording
- Alternative dispute resolution issues, such as the venue & choice of law
Here's an article about what you should include in a podcast contract.
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Who Uses a Podcast Contract?
The producer and host of the podcast use a podcast contract to legalize their terms and agreements. In addition, they may refer to this contact to fact-check information about the podcast's legal matters.
Working with a producer takes most of the complicated workload off a podcast host's back. Now that you can focus on hosting entirely, your podcast's quality will inevitably improve.
However, before you hand over any responsibilities, you must sign the podcast contract to legalize the producer-host relationship. You may also need this contract for an independent contractor before hiring employees for your podcast.
Here's an article about podcast contracts and their uses.
Benefits of Using a Podcast Contract
There are endless benefits to using a podcast contract that you must keep in mind. Here are a few of them.
- Legal Protection. A podcast contract protects you in case of legal disputes. If the producer or host decides to sue, the other party has the podcast contract to refer to court. The declaration of their relationship and agreements makes it easier to avoid legal troubles.
- Working Parameters. Besides legal protection, a podcast contract also provides strict parameters for the working relationship between the host and the producer. Suppose one party goes beyond these parameters by refusing to follow the terms and agreements. In that case, the other party can refer to the contract to ensure everything stays on track.
- Content Quality. When both parties stay within working parameters and fulfill their responsibilities as agreed, the quality of your podcast increases inevitably. Because the recording schedule is maintained, each party is being paid as agreed, and the podcast is promoted appropriately.
Here's an article about the benefits of podcast contracts.
Does a Podcast Contract Need a Disclaimer?
Most podcast contracts don't require a disclaimer. However, suppose you're writing a podcast contract for ads and sponsorships. In that case, it's best to include disclaimers, representations, and warranties in the document.
The " terms and conditions " section is an excellent area to add disclaimers to the contract.
Here's an article about disclaimers in legal agreements.
How Long Does a Podcast Contract Last?
A podcast contract is a marketing contract with a decided start date and end date based on the parties' preferences. However, the typical length of a podcast contract is about one to two years.
How to Get a Podcast Contract
You can either write your podcast contract from scratch with the help of a legal advisor or use a template online. Here's a podcast contract template you can use before hosting or producing your podcast.
Template
This Podcast Contract is entered into between (Producer) with their place of business at (Address) for the production of a podcast show named (Name.)
Here are the names of each party:
The parties agree as follows:
The parties agree as follows:
Use of Recording Facilities
(Company) agrees to record the audio material of (Podcast) on behalf of (Host) using company-owned equipment, provided that the host meets the recording schedule. In addition, a representative from the company must be available during the recording.
Podcast Schedule
For the length of this contact, the host will regularly record the podcast according to the previously-described terms. The schedule agreed upon between the host and the producer is as follows.
(The producer and host must sign their initials for one of these options)
Weekly:
Bi-weekly:
Monthly:
The schedule starts on the date of the podcast's first recorded episode. After that, the host must record an episode for publishing within the agreed period, except if rescheduled.
The host may record multiple episodes to stay ahead of the recording schedule. The host may also request extra episodes to publish between the agreed schedule.
One (1) emergency exception is allowed every quarter of the year in which the host may skip a scheduled episode. However, the host must notify the producer seven (7) days before the cancellation. It's advised that the host only uses this exception for true emergencies.
Late Fees or Missed Episodes
The host agrees to pay a (late fee) to the producer for failing to provide an episode on the agreed schedule. In addition, the host must pay a (missed episode fee) for failing to provide an episode by the time of the next episode's submission. Another late fee will be charged from the day after the second missed date. This cycle will repeat until the host finally provides an episode.
Disclaimer: NOTE: This section encourages you to record your episodes on time. These fees will not apply to you if you plan to do that anyway.
Length of Content
The host must record each episode for no less than (minimum length) and no more than (maximum length.)
Compensation of Artist
The host will receive opportunities to earn a portion for each source of income the producer gains from the podcast. The producer will send compensations to the host as per the terms of the Revenue Contract.
Podcast Income and Expenses
The producer will provide the host with all reports relating to the podcast's earnings every quarter. This report must be no later than one month after the end of each quarter.
Ownership of Unedited Recordings
The producer is the sole owner and has perpetual control of all unedited episodes recorded under this contract.
Ownership of Published Recordings
The producer is the sole owner and has perpetual control of all published episodes recorded under this contract.
Right of Refusal
If the producer rejects an episode more than three (3) times, this will be a breach of contract.
Termination Agreement
Either party may terminate this Agreement with a written and signed notice. However, the termination will not go into effect until one month after.
Non-Disclosure
Both parties agree not to disclose this contract to any person or business entity other than the contract members and their legal representative.
Governing Law
This contract will be governed by the law of the State of (State.)
Sign of Host:
Sign of Producer:
Date:
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I am an entrepreneurial lawyer in the Seattle area dedicated to helping clients build and plan for the future. I earned my law degree from the University of Chicago and worked in a top global law firm. But I found advising real people on legal issues far more rewarding. Reach out to discuss how we can work together!
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