Townsquare Media is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Global Weather Productions LLC, which alleges the company used storm footage without proper authorization. Emmy-winning cinematographer Michael Brandon Clement shot the footage in question.
According to a report by Inside Radio, the legal complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in White Plains, centers on two weather events. The 2021 EF4 tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky, and the 2022 blizzard that affected Buffalo, New York.
Global Weather Productions claims Townsquare posted unauthorized still images and video clips from both events on the websites of two radio stations. 107.7 The Rocker in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and “Q-105.7” in Albany, New York.
According to the filing, Townsquare used a still image from the tornado footage in an August 2024 article about tornado activity in Michigan. Additionally, the company allegedly embedded multiple stills and videos from the Buffalo blizzard in a December 2022 article covering the storm’s impact.
The plaintiff notes that both videos were registered with the U.S. Copyright Office and prominently featured watermarks and licensing terms, including a “Not For Broadcast” label. The footage was reportedly sourced from YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) accounts with clear licensing instructions, which the complaint says Townsquare ignored.
The lawsuit charges Townsquare with “volitional copying.” Claiming it gains financially from the increased traffic driven by these materials. It further highlights that this case is part of a broader trend. With over 50 similar suits filed against Townsquare. Eighteen of them are in the same federal court district during 2024.
Global Weather Productions is seeking monetary damages, reimbursement of legal costs, and an injunction to stop further unauthorized use. The plaintiff has requested a jury trial.
Townsquare Media has yet to issue a public response to the lawsuit.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
