# BBC Reith Lectures & MP3 Availability **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 3, 2006, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226 "2006-06-03T01:16:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![xiix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/d6d6ee/32.png) [@xiix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xiix)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2006, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226/1 "2006-06-03T01:16:40Z")
For those unfamiliar with the Reith series, its an annual BBC presentation of 6 lectures on a different topic each year. A committee picks a renowned expert who holds the lectures & Q and A sessions around the world. In the past they’ve covered the mind, technology, and this year, music. The strange thing about this year is that the BBC posted mp3s (as usual) after each lecture, yet they vanished after seven days, and only realmedia files are now available. I haven’t the foggiest idea why the BBC would do this, I’m pretty sure its not to conserve bandwidth. So my question is two-fold, firstly, is it legal to spread the mp3s that the bbc posted to the public even if they were later removed? And secondly, if its cool w/ the mods, can anyone help me find the mp3s? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![xiix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/d6d6ee/32.png) [@xiix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xiix)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2006, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226/2 "2006-06-03T01:21:54Z")
oops, almost forgot: > **[BBC Radio 4 - The Reith Lectures, Daniel Barenboim: In the Beginning was...](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00ghv8s)** > > Musician and conductor Daniel Barenboim delivers the 2006 Reith Lectures. ---
**Author:** ![xiix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/d6d6ee/32.png) [@xiix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xiix)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2006, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226/3 "2006-06-03T16:32:47Z")
**help me, please?** ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226/4 "2006-06-03T20:31:42Z")
The BBC’s main form of audio is still, as it has been for quite a few years, the BBC radio player, which essentially is an integrated Real Player type setup that plays .rm files. The introduction of downloadable/podcastable mp3 files is a recent development, and one that is essentially in a trial period. As for the seven-day time limit on the mp3 files, that is their policy not just with the Reith Lectures, but with all programs where mp3 files are offered. The reason for it is explained on their [FAQ Page](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/downloadtrial/faq.shtml#q2): > [@](#): > > **Why are downloads only available for 7 days after broadcast?** > > Currently most BBC radio programmes are offered online for 7 days after broadcast, via the BBC Radio Player, as this is what we have negotiated with our rights holders. To be consistent with this we are also offering programmes as download and for podcast for 7 days after broadcast. Regarding the legality of redistributing the mp3 files, i’m not an expert on UK copyright law, but i imagine that it wouldn’t be legal. The BBC’s Terms of Use for the mp3 files, on [this page](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/downloadtrial/) (scroll down to near the bottom), says: > [@](#): > > As part of a Trial the BBC grants you a 7-day, non-exclusive licence to download this audio. > > You may not copy, reproduce, edit, adapt, alter, republish, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public, or otherwise use this audio in any way except for your own personal, non-commercial use. > > You may not download, or use this file for the purpose of promoting, advertising, endorsing or implying a connection with you (or any third party) and the BBC, its agents or employees. > > The BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of or connected with the download or use of this file. For further details see the full Terms of Use for [bbc.co.uk](http://bbc.co.uk). ---
**Author:** ![Taran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Taran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taran)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2006, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-reith-lectures-mp3-availability/359226/5 "2006-06-03T23:05:08Z")
Since you’re not allowed to distribute those files except for your personal use, wouldn’t distributing them thus be illegal?