Freelance journalists benefit from joining copyright collecting society

Two years after the merger of the Dutch copyright collecting societies “Stichting Nieuwswaarde” and “Lira”, a new contract has been sent to all the already participating freelancers. The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ), representing the interests of journalists, calls upon freelancers to sign this contract. As a result, Lira can create a stronger negotiating position on behalf of the freelancers towards broadcasters, cable companies and others who re-use journalistic works. Furthermore, according to the NVJ, new collective fees will be introduced, which journalists are entitled to and which Lira can claim on behalf of the freelancers. These fees could include compensation with respect to certain cable rights, digital newspapers, Google Books, digitization projects in the cultural heritage sector (such as the project of the Dutch National Library) and initiatives such as "Uitzending Gemist" (Catch up TV)

Lira is the Dutch collective society that administrates fees for the exploitation of copyright protected works on behalf of authors and translators.  Often, these authors and translators are not able to do this themselves or find it difficult to claim compensation, so Lira helps them out. The Dutch foundation “Stichting Nieuwswaarde” is the copyright organisation for freelance (photo) journalists and program makers. Two years ago, the two societies decided to merge and join forces. For freelance journalists, revenues often depend on online publications and therefore new revenues are very important to them. When signing the new contract, these fees will be collected and distributed by Lira. “The more the merrier” seems to be the motto, because when more freelancers sign the new contract, the stronger Lira’s position will be on behalf of freelancers.

Now, Lira offers an information package consisting of the standard contract, a brochure, a detailed explanation of the contract and the rights and terms thereof and Lira’s statutes and regulations of Lira.

Reference: NVJ