The Crazy Permission-Asking Media Scrum That Descends When Photographic News Happens On Twitter
from the insanity-in-the-making dept
As you may have heard last week, a British Airways plane caught fire as it was taxiing on the runway preparing for takeoff. Thankfully, everyone on board escaped with just a few minors scratches and bruises. The plane wasn't so lucky. However, there were lots of other people around on other flights witnessing the whole thing and -- not surprisingly -- many of them have Twitter accounts. And, as has become fairly standard when visual news breaks somewhere with people around, they started tweeting photos. Here's David L. Somers at 4:16pm:Just landed in Vegas to see this...plane on fire on the Tarmac...people still onboard and running off! pic.twitter.com/ul10hFFw9j
— David L. Somers (@DL_Somers) September 8, 2015Plane on fire on LAS runway! @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/iQiHzV22Bq
— Bradley Hampton (@Bradley_Hampton) September 8, 2015Just landed in Las Vegas, plane is on fire. People were on boaard but it looks like they all got off in time. pic.twitter.com/0AN5HvBB5G
— Eric Hays (@ericmhays) September 8, 2015Now, some of us might marvel at this amazing world we now live in, where everyone can be a broadcast reporter should news suddenly happen around them. It's kind of amazing. But, perhaps even more fascinating is the somewhat insane mainstream media scrum that immediately follows. All three of these guys were almost immediately bombarded with news producers from TV, newspaper and online media, all asking for permission to use their photos. This is just a sampling because if I posted them all, i think my hand would cramp up from cutting and pasting so many embed codes. Notice that a bunch of the requests come from the very same news organizations, many asking if they can use it on all platforms/affiliates and such:
@DL_Somers Hi David. May we get your permission to use this photo?
— FOX5 Las Vegas (@FOX5Vegas) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers can we please use your pic on @23ABCNews? thx in advance either way
— Justin Burton (@jburtonnews) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers David, may KING 5 in Seattle use your photo, with credit?
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers, Hi, I'm a reporter for @ABC's @WNTonight. Glad you're okay. May we have permission to use this photo on all platforms?
— Erin Dooley (@erindooley) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David, may Fox 10 in Phx have permission to use this photo as well?
— Linda Fox 10 (@lindawfox10) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers I'm sure you're annoyed by these requests... but can we also use this pic on-air tonight? Thanks.
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Hello! Can we please have your permission to use this photo on-air and online?
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers can we use this picture?
— FOX21 News (@FOX21News) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers hey there -- i'm with @KATUNews, may we use this image on air?
— Mila Mimica (@MilaMimica1) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Hi, I'm with NBC Bay Area? Is it OK to use photos on all NBCU platforms w/ credit to you? thx!
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers I work for Channel 13 in Las Vegas. Can we use your picture on our newscast?
— Tessie Sanchez (@vegassanchez24) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Andres here with CNN, Can we use your photo permanently on all our platforms and affiliates?
— Andres Gonzalez (@andago101) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David - may we please use this photo on @itvnews?
— Stephen Jones (@SteveJonesITV) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Is this your picture? If so, please can we use it for our coverage on Sky News (UK), obviously with a credit? Let me know, thanks
— Huw Borland (@SkyNewsHuw) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi, I'm requesting on behalf of all media agencies in Kenya, can we use this photo on all our platforms before it's stolen?
— *Michael Shoe Maker* (@ki_bet) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David! Here's another request from the CBS in San Diego... Can we add it to our story?
— Paco Ramos (@kicknpac) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi, I'm with the NY Daily News. Could we have permission to use this pic if we credit back to you? Thanks.
— TWLevinson (@TmasReports) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David - can we use your picture on @SkyNews platforms? Thanks
— Tom Boadle (@TomBoadle) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Would it be OK for FOX11 in Los Angeles to use your photo? We can give you a credit.
— Steve Herren (@Pasadenanews) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hey David. I'm with NBC News. May we have permission to use your photo across all our platforms? Thank!!
— Gemma (@GemmaDiCas) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers May CBS News use this photo for affiliates, web, international and network thanks stay safe!
— Sammy Rose Been (@Sammy_Roses) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers CAN CBS USE THIS PIC?
— david parrish (@dparrishcbs2) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers CBS in Las Vegas, can we use your picture?
— Rebecca Krshul (@rebeccanicolle) September 8, 2015@DL_Somers we are SaferSkies Nigeria do we have your permission to use this picture on our site and sister publications? @NLIGlobal1
— Safer SkiesNG (@SaferSkiesNG) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers my name is Rugba Karika with NTA 2 channel 5 news. Please can I have your permission to use this picture? Thanks in advance.
— Elyon (@fega_RK) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers hi I work for saudi channel 2 , may I get your permission to use this pic?
— Mawzez! (@Sooma_4) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers hi david CBS Channel 2 news here can we have permission to use this photo? we will credit u on allmedia platforms plz let us know
— Jen P (@Jenwestbay) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers AMAZING PIC DAVID! can we show on the news in Orlando tonight?
— ERIN DREW KENT (@ERINDREWKENT) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers @7ANQ_ hi david , can we use your pic on @spagov ?
— ): #56 (@milani_1899) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers
Hi
May I have permission to use this photo on all platforms?
— AZoooz (@AZIZALALI1) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David did you take this pic? Could we please use it for our FOX News coverage?
— John Potratz (@johnpotratz) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David. I work for the NBC station in Houston (KPRC-TV). May we have permission to use your photo?
— Steve Lulgjuraj (@EPSteveL) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi David. I work for Reuters and we're reporting on this. Would you mind following me so I can DM you about the picture? Thanks.
— George Sargent (@georgesarge) September 9, 2015@DL_Somers Hi there! I'm from WCBS News New York...can we use this photo on air and all platforms? We will credit you!
— Ariana Induddi (@Ariana_Induddi) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley... FOX31 in Denver would like to see if we can get permission to use your photos on air and online.
— KDVR FOX31 Denver (@KDVR) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton I work for NBC Bay Area News. Can we please use your photos. We would credit you.
— Anthony Leong (@anthonyleong83) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, I work for ABC11 in North Carolina, can we use this picture online and on-air?
— Taylor Lisenby (@TaylorLisenbyTV) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton @Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, Can we use your images with credit at The Australian? Many regards, hope everyone is safe
— Marc Dodd (@marcdodd) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Bradley, Kelsey from CBS News here. May we have permission to use your images of this event on our platforms w/ credit?Thx
— Kelsey Gore (@KGoreCBS) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton I'm with CBSNews - May we use your plane on fire photos for affiliates, web, international and web? Thanks stay safe
— Sammy Rose Been (@Sammy_Roses) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Andres here with CNN, Can we use your photo permanently on all our platforms and affiliates?
— Andres Gonzalez (@andago101) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Are you okay? If so, can CNN use this photo?
— Adrienne (@adriennelu15) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi, I'm with the NY Daily News. Could we have permission to use your pics if we credit back to you? Thanks!
— TWLevinson (@TmasReports) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton @FoxNews would like to use for Cox Media Group, with credit
— Bonnie Buck (@bonniebuck) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi, can NBC Bay Area use these photos across all NBCU platforms with credit to you? thanks!
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Oh no! HOpe everyone's ok. Can we share this photo on our platforms? You'll be credited.
— Fresco News License (@frescolicense) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton hi Bradley, Polly with @Newsweek. Can we use this photo with credit?
— Polly Mosendz (@polly) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Bradley, may KING 5 in Seattle use your photo, with credit?
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, I work with NBC News. Can we have permission to use your photos across all platforms? Will credit you. Thanks!
— Michelle Cho (@mcho24) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley. Can we use your pics on BBC News please?
— James Cook (@BBCJamesCook) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton What a picture! Can FOX31 in Denver get your permission to use on air and on http://t.co/bBIlMoRQV7 with credit to you?
— KDVR FOX31 Denver (@KDVR) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, may we use your photo w/ credit at @wsvn?
— Brandon (@Launerts) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley--Can we have permission to use South Florida Reporter with credit to you?
— Media Alert (@MediaAlert) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton May the European Pressphoto Agency move your photos on our wire with credit to you?
— Matt Campbell (@EPAFOTOG) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, hope everyone is alright, can we use please?
— Alexander Ward (@alexanderj_ward) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi Bradley, I work for 10News in San Diego. Can we use your photo online if we credit you?
— Stacy Haynes (@StacyeHaynes) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton
Great photo. May we use your photos with credit for our news coverage? Please reply. TX
— MailOnline Pictures (@MailOnline_Pics) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton CBS in Las Vegas, can we use your picture?
— Rebecca Krshul (@rebeccanicolle) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Can Demotix news agency in the UK syndicate this photo and the others you have to our media clients with a credit to you?
— Matthew Richards (@forestmat) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton hi bradley, can we use your photo with credit in Manfouha, (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) newspaper!
— مجلاد (@jallad) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton hi CBS Channel 2 news here, can we have permission to use this photo we will credit you on all media platforms. thank you!
— Jen P (@Jenwestbay) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Hi there! I'm from WCBS News New York...can we use this photo on air and all platforms? We will credit you!
— Ariana Induddi (@Ariana_Induddi) September 9, 2015@Bradley_Hampton can we use this image on our platforms for Newsday please respond thanks and great photo Bill Perlman Newsday Photo Editor
— Newsday Photography (@newsdayphoto) September 9, 2015@ericmhays Hey Eric. Can KTLA use your pic with on screen credit to you? Thanks.
— Nidia Becerra (@nidia_b) September 8, 2015@ericmhays can we please use your plane fire pic on @23ABCNews? - thx either way in advance
— Justin Burton (@jburtonnews) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Hi Eric, may we have permission to use this photo on-air and online?
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsBayArea) September 8, 2015@ericmhays We hope everyone is okay! Can we share this with news outlets on our platform? All uses will credit you as the photographer.
— Fresco News License (@frescolicense) September 8, 2015@ericmhays ----- Is this ok if WBZ-TV in Boston uses?
— Chris (@ChrisNWBZTV) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Are you okay? If so, can CNN use this photo?
— Adrienne (@adriennelu15) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Hi Eric. I'm with ABC/KGO in San Francisco. May we air your photo?
— hjtuggle (@hjtuggle) September 8, 2015@ericmhays hey there -- could we please use this photo on @KATUNews?
— Mila Mimica (@MilaMimica1) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Glad to see you’re OK. Can KMGH-TV in Denver use this image for all of our platforms? Please let us know.
— 7NEWS Denver Channel (@DenverChannel) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Can we use your pic with credit on Sanook News (Thailand) ? Thanks.
— Sanook! News (@SanookNews) September 9, 2015@ericmhays Sir, may MMB air this photo?
— Анхны Индиго© (@anhniiindigo) September 9, 2015@ericmhays Can we use your photo? What's your #? THanks.
— Chuck (@CNNEditorChuck) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Hi Eric I'm with ABC News. Wondering if we have permission to use this photo on all ABC platforms with courtesy? Thanks!
— Emerald Zellers (@EmeraldZellers) September 8, 2015@ericmhays CBS in Las Vegas, may we use your picture?
— Rebecca Krshul (@rebeccanicolle) September 8, 2015@ericmhays newsday would love to use your photo in our paper tomorrow, can you give us permission? with credit of course photo@newsday.com
— Newsday Photography (@newsdayphoto) September 9, 2015@ericmhays can we use this photo on all of our platforms @WAOW in Wisconsin? We'll give you credit.
— John Laughrin (@jlaughrin_WAOW) September 9, 2015@ericmhays Hi, I'm with the NY Daily News. Could we have permission to use this pic? Thanks!
— TWLevinson (@TmasReports) September 8, 2015@ericmhays Hi Eric, can KDVR/KWGN in Denver use your picture with credit? Thank you!
— 小鬼。 (@svmmmer) September 8, 2015@Bradley_Hampton Please reply if you agree with attached statement so @AP can use your photo of plane fire. Thanks. pic.twitter.com/84npYJ5XBw
— Joseph Altman (@APaltman) September 8, 2015@ericmhays may we have permission to feature your photo? Verify here: https://t.co/HKODFM0luo
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 8, 2015So what to make of all this? On the one hand, it seems like a fairly strong graphical representation of permission culture these days. In nearly every one of these cases, the news organizations in question would likely have extremely strong fair use protections. And it doesn't look like any of the three guys above were looking to profit from their photos. To some extent, having taken and posted the photo may have actually been more of a nuisance for them, since they all then had to spend time responding to all those requests. As filmmaker Nina Paley has discussed in the past, permission culture gets super annoying when everyone has to keep asking, and you just want them to be free to use it. But, of course, in an age where every news organization is afraid to get hit with a massive damages award in a copyright lawsuit, they're all going to ask.
That system seems fairly broken. We have at least some solutions for this. Creative Commons can handle some of it, but Twitter has no way to officially designate a CC license on a photo you've posted. That would certainly help a lot. But, overall, the whole thing just seems silly. These photos are news -- and they're initially being posted on public social media for a reason -- because those who took them wanted them to be shared and spread. It seems silly that we need such an insane level of permission gating that every news agency on the planet has to bother these guys to ask for permission.
Filed Under: airplane, copyright, fire, journalism, las vegas, news, permission, permission culture, photographs, social media, twitter
