UK Podcasters Form ORG Media Makers Group

The UK Podcasters Association was founded to protect podcasters’ rights, and promote podcasting.

As the shape and scale of online media has evolved, causing dramatic changes in how people create and consume media, the UKPA’s chair and trustees have decided it makes good sense for podcasters and media makers to join forces with the Open Rights Group to be able to continue this work.

The UKPA has been closely allied with the Open Rights Group, aka ORG, in its past campaigns for podcasting and so the alliance is not new, but there are obvious benefits to a tie-up, aside from the fact that there is greater strength in numbers.

One of UKPA’s major achievements has been to put podcasting on the wider stage, establishing podcasting as a high quality option for media producers in radio, television, print and online, competing directly with established media for audiences.

Bringing our media production experience and intelligence, we aim to work on a new ORG zine for people in the digital field. In this practical way, our input into ORG will enable them to carry forward their campaigns and communicate their messages engagingly.

For existing UKPA members, joining forces with ORG is entirely optional, but we do suggest that you seriously consider joining us – there is a welcome page here.

Members are invited to attend a meeting at ORG HQ where we will dicuss the changes, plot out the zine and plan further activities.

The UKPA is now closed to new members and renewals, and it will formally cease operations as of 22nd August 2009.

UKPA Podcast

We’ve released the videos from last Saturday’s sessions at the Guardian as two long videos available here.

Also see James Cridland’s notes on the sessions.

Podcasting, Rights and Music – UKPA Event at Guardian Audio, London, March 29th 2008

UKPA is hosting a seminar on rights with the Open Rights Group at the Guardian, Farringdon, London, Saturday March 29th 2pm – 5pm and it would be great if you would come and take part.

Becky Hogge and Matt Wells (heads of ORG and Guardian Audio respectively) will be there, as well as representatives from MCPS-PRS and AIM (Association of Independent Music).

ORG will discuss how the EU AVMS Directive could impact negatively upon podcasting (if we let it) and generally explain the current issues facing podcasters as they see them. In the second session, we’ll cover new developments in music and podcasting.

There will be an opportunity afterwards to eat, drink and socialise at a local pub.

Attendance is strictly limited to 50, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Sorry but due to security, no tickets are available “on the door” – all places must be booked in advance by March 22nd 2008.

This event is free to UKPA and ORG members.

Please book early to secure your place.

VENUE ADDRESS:

The Scott Room, 60 Faringdon Road, EC1R 3GA – directly opposite 119 Farringdon Road (main Guardian building)
Reception: 020 7886 9890

UKPA Contact number: 0870 919 2807

UKPA Event Email: events [at] ukpa [dot] info

Hope to see you there.

Open Rights Group

Back in April 2006 when the UK Podcasters Association started, we were given advice and support by the Open Rights Group.

As a new organisation, we needed all the help we could get, and ORG gave it. Their intelligence enabled us to go into high-level meetings confidently, fully aware of our rights, and with developed strategies. Since then we have worked with ORG and the EFF to keep podcasting free from bad legislation and heavy-handed regulation.

As ORG celebrates its second birthday, please consider joining, or donating.