Theft by the CBC

Yes, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) wants to steal your photos. At least if you’re foolish enough to enter their photo contest. Photographers, both professional and amateur,  need to keep a close eye on their copyrights. We are often told they are not worth anything and don’t need to be protected, but there sure are a LOT of people who want to take it from you. Unfortunately, this is another example of this sad fact.

The latest edition of this scenario comes from a group that should know better, since they are primarily known as a news organization. CBC’s August photo contest: Hot cuisine encourages people to submit their favorite food. Timothy Neesam, CBC News photo editor, even provides helpful advice on how to make better pictures. The advice is solid, but the motivations are not.

I’ve mentioned in the past that you should read the rules carefully before entering ANY photo contest. Photography is valuable and necessary in all forms of media. Of course, if you are too cheap to pay for it, stealing it is an excellent option. One of the most common scams is to run a photo contest, where the entrants sign over their work to you for the privilege of entering. Yes, just for entering.

Usually, the theft clause is hidden among the contest rules. The CBC has so little respect for Canadians, they just put it in the first one:

1. CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY Contestants must reside within Canada. Employees of the CBC and their immediate family or persons living under the same roof are not eligible to enter this contest.

Entries become the property of the CBC and by entering the CBC Photo Contest you grant CBC all rights to use your image(s) in all forms, media and manners, without restriction as to changes or alterations, for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition or any other lawful purposes. You also confirm that all those in the images grant CBC all rights to use your image(s) in all forms, media and manners, without restriction as to changes or alterations, for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition, or any other lawful purposes.

You also agree to waive any right to inspect or approve the photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known or unknown, and you waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photographs.

Yes, they OWN whatever you send them and can use it for ANYTHING they want.The can sell it, run it in ads, make prints, whatever they want – they own it.

Here is the full link, so you can see for yourself (or click to be taken to the den of thieves):

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2010/07/hot-cuisine-what-are-your-favourite-summer-meals.html

You express your opinion of these rules on their comment page. Of course, it’s moderated, so if you don’t see mine there you’ll know why.

If anyone knows an email address we can contact at the CBC about this matter, please add it to the comments.

Remember, watch your wallet and watch your photos.