Re: "copyrighted story" - CNN

On Thu, 10 Apr 1997, 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?

The reference to "a copyrighted story" in the news business is an assertion by the original author/publisher and an acknowledgement by others that the author got the "scoop." It has been done ever since I can remember. I would say the custom is a matter more of courtesy than of law, since news organizations have always shared the news.

Albert Henderson, Editor, PUBLISHING RESEARCH QUARTERLY <70244.1532[_at_]compuserve.com> Received on Fri Apr 11 1997 - 22:30:25 GMT