-By Warner Todd Huston
Well, even though Pelosi is getting let off the hook for violating the law, we in the Blogosphere are gaining a new ability: to re-broadcast C-SPAN video without fear of copyright violations.
C-SPAN alters copyright over Pelosi flap
WASHINGTON – It turns out that Republicans were right: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did violate C-SPAN’s copyright by using its televised footage on her blog promoting Democrats.
Officials for the cable TV network that provides daily gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate proceedings at first said the blog was in violation, then announced it wasn’t. On Wednesday, they said that it was but that they’re changing their policy so that it won’t be in the future.
The new copyright policy will allow non-commercial Internet users to share and post C-SPAN video as long as they attribute it to the public service channel.
So, now Bloggers can use C-SPAN video. That can’t be anything but good. C-SPAN’s president belatedly pulling Pelosi’s fat out of the fire actually did us a good turn for a change.
“Given our background and our history, an open approach is the most consistent with our mission,” said Rob Kennedy, C-SPAN’s president. “We are now saying under the new policy that that will be OK, for her or any blogger or citizen journalist” to post C-SPAN video online.
Good going C-SPAN. Even though it was a free pass for a lawbreaker, this turns out well for all.
One thing, though. Do you think C-SPAN would’ve given any Republican such a generous pass?
Well, maybe.
But likely?
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Warner Todd Huston’s thoughtful commentary, sometimes irreverent often historically based, is featured on many websites such as newsbusters.org, townhall.com, men’snewsdaily.com and americandaily.com among many, many others. Additionally, he has been a guest on several radio programs to discuss his opinion editorials and current events. He has also written for several history magazines and appears in the new book “Americans on Politics, Policy and Pop Culture” which can be purchased on amazon.com. He is also the owner and operator of publiusforum.com. Feel free to contact him with any comments or questions : EMAIL Warner Todd Huston
Hey! This is great. Now I won’t have to type stuff out and can just post C-Span videos.
This post does seem to contradict what is happening in France regarding free speech as stated in your previous post: “France Makes Effort to Criminalize Bloggers, Internet News Sites”
I think C-Span will realize bigger profits as more people turn to them as a source for their blog posts.
C-SPAN didn’t give anybody a free pass. They responded to some carefully thought out reasoning from the net, backed with a real desire and ability by folks to do something about the situation. And, just so we’re 100% clear, I would have done *exactly* the same thing if New Gingrich or anybody else was in that chair.
Prying1,
Yes a good contrast, eh?
Carl,
No you are wrong. They DID give Pelosi a free pass. She DID violate copyright laws. C-SPAN decided to CHANGE their enforcement. If THAT isn’t being given a break, what is. And, if they would have done it for a Republican, as you seem to think, WHY hadn’t they done it this many years until NOW??
“Do you think C-SPAN would’ve given any Republican such a generous pass?”
Republicans given a pass on C-SPAN? Heck no! After all, the MSM doesn’t give a hoot about giving the GOP any special treatment because they feel President Bush gets enough air-time to credit to the entire GOP.
I’m sure the DNC is thrilled with this choice.
Pam,
Right on!!
I think, that is interesting for all.