diff --git a/lib/channel/playlist.js b/lib/channel/playlist.js
index 30ec0944..f414576a 100644
--- a/lib/channel/playlist.js
+++ b/lib/channel/playlist.js
@@ -1049,7 +1049,12 @@ PlaylistModule.prototype.startPlayback = function (time) {
             self.channel.notifyModules("onMediaChange", [self.current.media]);
 
             /* Only start the timer if the media item is not live, i.e. has a duration */
-            if (media.seconds > 0) {
+            /*
+             * 2015-01-22: Don't start the timer if there is an active leader or if
+             * the timer is already running.  Both are possible since checkModules()
+             * is asynchronous
+             */
+            if (media.seconds > 0 && !self.leader && !self._leadInterval) {
                 self._lastUpdate = Date.now();
                 self._leadInterval = setInterval(function() {
                     self._leadLoop();