Yearbook Copyright and Fair Use with Bradley Wilson and Jim Jordan

Summary

This video script provides valuable insights into copyright and licensing, focusing on Creative Commons images and photojournalism. It emphasizes the importance of proper attribution for images, especially from sources like Gage Skidmore's Flickr collection and the NSPA's campaign photo exchange. The discussion also covers the ethical and legal aspects of using AI-generated images, noting that while they can't be copyrighted, they must be clearly attributed. Finally, the script encourages creating original works, underscoring that it’s better to produce unique content than rely on others' images.

Takeaways

• 😀 Images released under Creative Commons licenses can be used, but proper attribution is required to avoid copyright issues.
• 😀 It’s essential to understand the specific type of Creative Commons license for each image before use, as some licenses come with restrictions on modifications.
• 😀 Gage Skidmore is a photographer who shares his images of public figures under Creative Commons on Flickr, where users can freely access and use them with proper credit.
• 😀 The Campaign Photo Exchange by NSPA allows users to upload and download election-related images with a Creative Commons license, ensuring photographers are credited for their work.
• 😀 Students should sign a photojournalist contract that grants their student media the right to use their photos for a specific purpose and period, helping clarify copyright ownership.
• 😀 AI-generated images currently cannot be copyrighted because AI cannot sign a contract, making them freely available for use without copyright protection.
• 😀 AI-generated images should not replace actual news photos in student media. If used, AI images must be attributed as such and include the generated prompt for transparency.
• 😀 The use of AI-generated images in student media is ethically permissible but must be clearly identified as created by artificial intelligence.
• 😀 It is always recommended to create original content rather than relying on others’ work, even if external resources serve as inspiration.
• 😀 A strong understanding of copyright laws and ethical use of images is essential for student media to avoid legal issues and uphold journalistic integrity.

Q & A

What is the significance of Creative Commons licenses for photographers and how do they apply to using photos?

Creative Commons licenses allow photographers to grant permission for their work to be used freely under specific conditions. Users must provide proper credit and adhere to the type of license specified, which can include permissions like non-commercial use or share-alike terms.

What is Gage Skidmore's approach to sharing his photos, and how can they be used by others?

Gage Skidmore has created a Flickr repository where he posts photos under Creative Commons licenses. Anyone can use his photos, such as those of political figures, as long as they provide proper attribution.

How does the NSPA (National Scholastic Press Association) Campaign Photo Exchange benefit students and journalists?

The NSPA Campaign Photo Exchange is a platform that allows students and journalists to upload and download photos, particularly those related to elections, for use in Scholastic or Collegiate media. Photos shared are under Creative Commons licenses and require proper attribution.

What is the role of a photojournalist contract in student media, and why is it important?

A photojournalist contract ensures that student photographers grant permission for their work to be used by school media. It clarifies that students retain copyright, but the school can use the photos within a specific time frame and for educational purposes.

Why is it important to ensure that student media correctly handles photo copyright issues?

Correctly handling photo copyright is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure ethical use of students' work. By having a photojournalist contract, educators ensure clear permission for photo usage while respecting students' rights.

What is the legal status of AI-generated images in terms of copyright?

AI-generated images cannot be copyrighted because AI tools cannot sign contracts. As a result, these images are not legally protected under copyright laws, which is a key consideration for media creators using AI images.

What ethical guidelines must be followed when using AI-generated images in student media?

AI-generated images can be used in student media, but they must not substitute for news-generated images. Additionally, the AI-generated image must be clearly attributed with a statement that it was created by AI, including the prompt used to generate it.

How does using AI-generated photos differ from using photos taken by human photographers in student media?

AI-generated photos are not copyrighted and do not have the same legal protection as photos taken by human photographers. They also require explicit attribution and cannot be used for news-related content, unlike human-taken photos which are subject to copyright laws.

What are the potential consequences of not properly attributing images used in student media?

Failing to properly attribute images can result in legal consequences, including copyright infringement claims. Ethically, it also undermines the work of the original creators and could lead to a loss of trust in the media's integrity.

What is the key takeaway from the discussion on using Creative Commons licensed images in student media?

The key takeaway is that using Creative Commons licensed images is a viable option for student media, as long as proper attribution is given and the terms of the license are respected. Creating original content is always preferred, but Creative Commons images offer a valuable resource for supplemental visuals.