I have a dream of starting an online live broadcast network, maybe with friends. Using services like ustream or DaCast (live internet broadcast services). How do I start? What if I want the rights to retro TV shows or movies. I don't mind if I have to find some way to produce my own programming, or have friends do it for me. I bet amateurs can write better shows and movies today.

you're gonna need a lot of money if you want to acquire the rights to any retro show. unless you use episodes that are in public domain.

You know how when you watch old shows on TV and there's those logos after the ending credits? Those are the distributors, you contact those companies. Viacom, Sony Pictures Classics &c. I already have three or four retro channels on real TV here plus tons of stuff on youtube and other places, you're better off making your own stuff than competing in this already crowded market. But you don't sound like you have much motivation, skill, knowledge, experience, equipment, or other resources so good luck.

Good luck with that.

It could be like Brendon on Home Movies. Or the guys in Be Kind Rewind. Or UHF. Which would be freakin awesome. But it takes a lot of work, I don't think this guy can even live up to those standards. Dedication is key and if your first step is asking vague broad questions on a slow brown web forum, you ain't got it.

If you're going to stream live, you are allowed to use certain copyrighted material provided it is for satirical purposes only. For example, live streaming video game play is quite popular. I think other types of media are more difficult- the guys who do Rifftrax allow you to download their commentary and sync it up with your own copy of the show/movie.

But do your research for everything. Even if you are using your own content, you want to protect it because meme sites will steal content to redirect traffic to their own site.