To mark International Copyright Day on April 23, the
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today calls on groups representing
those who exploit free access to media content
to begin a dialogue with journalists' unions on the importance of
defending authors' rights and the right of journalists to be paid for the use of their work.
"Protecting authors' rights of journalists
is increasingly important," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan
White. "Internet portals, thousands of information websites,
and millions of online users are getting a free ride for unauthorised use of
journalistic material. Plagiarism is rampant."
To confront this crisis the EFJ and its
parent organisation the International Federation of Journalists are seeking a
more genuine dialogue with media users.
Recently delegates of the EFJ met with Google's representatives in Brussels to raise awareness of authors'
rights issues related to the recent Google digitisation project and Google
News.
"It's time for a fresh start in building a
new culture of respect for information and the people who have the professional
responsibility to produce it, " said White. "In this regard, collecting
societies have a clear role to play in administrating journalists' authors'
rights when their work is converted for digital use."
He said additional help from governments
to support collecting societies and democratic structures of management would
contribute to secure a fair system of payment for journalists.
The IFJ is also seeking more dialogue with
consumers to discuss to build trust to support journalists' authors' rights.
"Consumer support for paying for journalistic
content is important to maintain quality journalism," said White. "A democracy
requires citizens are informed and ,
therefore, consumers have a vested interest in ensuring journalists provide
them with credible, reliable information in a transparent and accountable
manner."
For more
information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists
in 125 countries worldwide