Re: "copyrighted story" - CNN

Richard Hopkins <rhopkins[_at_]activision.com> wrote:
>
> A recent article on CNN's web site referred to an article regarding
> reporting missle sightings in NY the day of the TWA crash:
>
> "In a copyrighted story, the Pioneer Press reported that investigators
> are piecing together tapes of air traffic control radar recorded the
> night of the sightings. "
> [http://www.cnn.com/US/9704/10/missile.reut/index.html]
>
> Why would CNN make such a comment? Simple ignorance of copyright
> law? Are they suggesting that the Pioneer Press has some exclusive
> right to this bit of news?
>
> - Richard Hopkins
> - UCLA Law '97
> <rhopkins[_at_]activision.com>

As a former newsman with 12 years experience I can say that citing a "copyright" story from a newspaper or any other news outlet (e.g., a TV station) is not unusual; in fact, I would say it's good practice. The Associated Press, which distributes news to subscribing radio, TV, newspapers, etc., frequently relies on its *subscribers* to submit news frequently and continually. Newspapers which lay claim to being "first" with the news for self-promotional purposes boldly boast their copyright primacy, sometimes right underneath the headline. Citing that copyright by, let's say, a regional small town paper gives credit where credit is due and escapes unfortunate liabilities. And it gets the news out to the public.

While I do not claim to have much legal expertise in copyright law (I'm a knowledgeable layman at best), I would suggest that while the facts regarding a situation which comprise a "story" are not copyrightable (e.g., the details of a train wreck). The expression of those facts in a news article *is*. That's what this is all about, I believe.

-- 
Glen Gummess (a/k/a "McKay")
Media Technology
New Mexico Junior College
5317 Lovington Hwy
Hobbs, NM  88240
(505) 392-5473 (voice)
(505) 392-2527 (fax)
gmckay[_at_]nmjc.cc.nm.us