Guardian accused of rights grab
BJP has learnt that The Guardian is considering introducing a new photographer contract that demands extended use rights, but fails to provide any compensation.
According to freelance photographers working for the daily newspaper, The Guardian has told them that it will now ask for full and future usage rights of commissioned images. 'Anyone who undertakes a commission from them will be granting them not just first use rights, but also second and subsequent publishing rights (without) further remuneration,' says a contributing photographer, who asked to remain anonymous.
When contacted by BJP, a spokeswoman for the newspaper said that 'the matter is still in discussion and we can't comment further'. However, freelance photographers working for the paper are adamant that it's a done deal.
One of them told us: 'It's a massive departure from standard terms and all aspects of copyright law. This is something that has come from the publishers themselves and is being considered by other newspapers. They don't realise that this is detrimental to their photographers, and that the impact it will have on all of us is going to be huge.'
Last month we reported (Selling out, BJP, 01 April) that UK publishers are increasingly demanding further rights on images, and that many are imposing syndications deals on photographers that will lose them money. In our 18 February edition we reported that photographers are also facing cut backs on images bought as stock, with both The Times and The Sun newspapers announcing drastic rate cuts of up to 60%. Both newspapers, which are owned by News International, blamed the cuts on a bid to remain competitive in the current economic climate (BJP, 18 February).
- If you know of any newspaper and magazine trying to impose new rules on its photographers, email Olivier Laurent, at bjp.news@bjphoto.co.uk.
