Are photos and videos from news websites copyrighted

In general, yes, photos and videos from news websites are copyrighted. News organizations, like any other creators of original content, have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display their work, as well as create derivative works, such as sharing or licensing their content to others.

In the United States, the Copyright Act of 1976 grants copyright protection to original works of authorship, including photographs, videos, and written content. News organizations, like any other copyright holders, have the right to control how their work is used, including the right to:

  1. Reproduce the work: Make copies of the photo or video.
  2. Distribute the work: Share or disseminate the photo or video to the public.
  3. Display the work: Show the photo or video to the public.
  4. Create derivative works: Modify or transform the photo or video into a new work.

News organizations typically assert their copyright ownership through various means, including:

  1. Watermarks or logos on the photo or video.
  2. Copyright notices or statements on the website or in the metadata.
  3. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.

However, there are some exceptions and limitations to copyright law that may apply to news organizations:

  1. Fair use: News organizations may use copyrighted content for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, or research, without obtaining permission or paying royalties. Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis and is subject to judicial interpretation.
  2. Public domain: If a photo or video is in the public domain, it is no longer under copyright and can be used freely. This typically applies to works published before 1923 or those that have been explicitly dedicated to the public domain.
  3. Creative Commons licenses: Some news organizations may use Creative Commons licenses, which allow for specific uses of their content, such as sharing or modification, under certain conditions.
  4. News aggregation: News organizations may aggregate content from other sources, including copyrighted material, for the purpose of news reporting or commentary. In these cases, the news organization may be considered a "transformative user" and may be able to use the copyrighted content without obtaining permission.

It's important to note that even if a news organization's content is copyrighted, it may still be possible to use it with permission or under certain circumstances. If you're unsure about the copyright status of a photo or video from a news website, it's best to contact the news organization directly to request permission or clarification.