Rush Limbaugh Issues DMCA Takedown To Censor Video Criticism

from the can't-take-the-heat dept

Radio personality Rush Limbaugh apparently has decided he can't handle criticism well, so he's abusing the DMCA to take down a video critical of him. The video does use Limbaugh video, but it seems like a pretty clear case of fair use. And, if we go by the standard established in the Lenz v. Universal case, those issuing a takedown are supposed to first consider fair use. If Limbaugh failed to do so, he could run into trouble.

But, more to the point: WTF? Why do people keep abusing the DMCA solely to silence free speech that criticizes them, at the same time they claim to be supporters of the First Amendment. You would think, by now, that Limbaugh has enough advisers who might recommend against taking down a silly YouTube video no one's watching any more -- but he seems to keep doing it, even if it seemingly goes against many of his claims.

Filed Under: dmca abuse, fair use, lenz v. universal, rush limbaugh

DailyDirt: Epic Fail In Advertising

from the urls-we-dig-up dept

There are numerous ways to piss off customers. Most companies make mistakes from time to time in advertising, but every so often, there are mistakes so egregious that people just can't look away. Sometimes bad publicity is still publicity, but here are some train-wreck examples.

• Some advertisers are rushing to Rush Limbaugh, against the tide of sponsors running away from him. After Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke a slut, it seems that a couple escort services would like to advertise their services on Limbaugh's show (and apparently these companies are just fine with Rush's use of the word slut). [url]
• Mommy bloggers are not a group you want to offend, and it might seem cute to try to have a little fun with some motherhood observations... However, the makers of Motrin found out the hard way that it needs to choose its words more carefully. [url]
• Woody Harrelson doesn't actually mean "ask me anything" when he talks to people online. Harrelson just wanted to promote his new movie, but instead enraged would-be fans in a discussion that went downhill pretty quickly. [url]
• To discover more interesting advertising-related content, check out what's floating around on StumbleUpon. [url]  

By the way, StumbleUpon can recommend some good Techdirt articles, too.

Filed Under: advertising, failures, motrin, publicity, rush limbaugh, woody harrelson