Malaysian Newspapers and Photo Credits

[ShaolinTiger]

I've recently noticed (especially after having my photos used a few times) that the local papers often tend to 'forget' photo credits.

Even when they've specifically asked for them and who to credit, the article comes out and there's no credit.

After some studying of the papers and from my own experience I've noticed The Star seems very lax with photo credits..

Today for example I had some of my pics used in an article for RAGE (article here), and the front page pic was mine - no credits appeared even though they were requested and given.

The same happened in Berita Harian (front page in HIP section), credit info was requested but not used.

Perhaps it's a communication problem, or do the papers thing they are above the law?

Or do they just not care about intellectual property? The whole intellectual proprety thing seems to plague Malaysia in general.

But for papers you'd think they would be a little more careful.

I have noticed in The Star the only section with 100% photo credits (even for internal Star photograpers) is the sports section - with the majority of the pictures coming from AP or Reuters.

But as for the other sections it seems rather hit and miss.

NST seems a little more consistent with photo credits, but still missed them sometimes - I found an article with my pics and no credit (see here).

I have seen other people complain about this too.

My pics were used in Astro mag for January too - and no credit.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Or any thoughts in general are welcome.

[ND40]

Sometimes we get ignored. I had help a friend to shoot some process before. Something like how to style your hair or something... It is for their in-house magazine. Anyway how, i had request for credit.

He also had told his company this company. When i received the copy, I see no credits at all. Then they told me that was communication problems. Saying that publishing site ignore them and never include it in.

Sound like un-acceptable reason. But sometimes, for them, we are just too small. Yea, photographers are being ignored!! Especially the rights.

[kimberlycun]

Yes it's a problem for us PR people also. Sometimes when we manage to engage photographers on a pro bono basis and all they want is a tiny credit, it's really hard to get back to them and tell them that it didn't happen.

It sure seems like we didn't get the communication through eventhough we have constantly remind them media about the credits via email, sms and numerous phone calls. But when the papers turn out, no credit. I think this trend should stop already as it's really unfair to the photographers. It's not just using a tool and capturing what's there..it's composition, atmosphere, and thoughts that go into bringing the accompanying story to an exceptional level.

I wish the media here are more perceptive when it comes to picture crediting. It's equally as important as in crediting the writer!

In spite of seeing my face on the papers, I was dissapointed that ST was not credited for the pictures. And since it was me who had asked him to take the pictures, I feel compel to credit and thank him in my own blog as the paper, unfortunately was unable to do so

[astroboy]

I seldom get this problem with magazines. Even for commissioned jobs, they still give me credit even though there is no necessity as they already bought the rights from the beginning.

I guess it has to do with the local paper's "culture". Photos from local contributors are either "cheap" or "free" or so they think. Photos from syndicates eg Reuters etc they have to pay tens of thousands a year with a solid contract to ensure credits r not ommitted or else they get a lawyer's letter.

The question is: will u continue to contribute to Star etc? Chances are, your answer is YES... and therein lies the problem...

[ShaolinTiger]

Originally Posted by astroboy

I seldom get this problem with magazines. Even for commissioned jobs, they still give me credit even though there is no necessity as they already bought the rights from the beginning.

Yeah agree, so far with magazines I had no problems.

Originally Posted by astroboy

The question is: will u continue to contribute to Star etc? Chances are, your answer is YES... and therein lies the problem...

Well I haven't directly contributed, in all cases they are pictures of someone - either paid or free and the person has said the paper can use the pictures AS LONG as they credit the photographer.

Which they usually conveniently forget to do, and well I don't have much say in the matter.

[mac]

i've stoped contributing to the local papers for a long time, free photos also so susah wanna give credit. its shows their Editor don't appreciate freebies.

even some magazine 'forgets' very very sad

[noordin]

I'd expect the media to be very sensitive on this issue of ownership. But looks like they take contributers for granted! Typical!

[bimmer]

Send them a lawyer's notice. I'll bet they will be more careful the next time around.

[PSi]

Before calling your lawyer, make sure you read through carefully all the fine print in that written contract you have with the publication concerned.

[jetfynn]

I have this situation happen to me once. The magazine published a front page picture taken by me and they credited the picture to Unit Foto XXSB.

Was I mad at that time. Then again. Looking at the local magazine / newspapers attitude, maybe we could group together to demand our rights or at least let the editors know that our work should be credited when it's used or due.