Broadcasters embroiled in a lawsuit over the automation technology they use are fighting the allegations.
As Radio World explores in its June 1 issue, Mission Abstract Data LLC, doing business as DigiMedia, has filed a complaint in United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging patent infringement by various broadcast groups, including CBS Radio, Beasley Broadcasting, Cox Radio, Greater Media, Cumulus, Townsquare Media and Entercom. In all, nearly 900 radio stations have been targeted.
The plaintiff claims it holds two U.S. patents that relate to a method and system for operating radio stations in which a digital database stores music that is programmed, played and broadcast.
In their replies to the lawsuit, broadcasters strongly rejected the claims made by Mission Abstract Media.
Cox Radio, in its response, “denies each and every allegation of the complaint” filed by the plaintiff. Responses from the other defendants in the case were similar.
Beasley, Cumulus, CBS, Cox, Townsquare Media and Entercom also filed counterclaims against Mission Abstract Data, according to court documents.
— Randy J. Stine
