AP Sets Lawyers On Photojournalism Blogger Snapped Shot

ASSOCIATED Press have sets the lawyers on blogger Snapped Shot, Brian Ledbetter. He writes on his now paused blog:

Background
Snapped Shot is a site that deals with the criticism of photojournalism. The industry is inaccurate in its reporting, it falls for terrorist propaganda too easily, and in general, the photos that you see presented as “news” on a daily basis are nothing more than fluff. This site has, from the beginning, intended to correct that by presenting specific instances of bias or inaccuracy along with commentary as to why said photographs are inaccurate. I have never drawn a profit from this website, and have never received compensation for any of the “copyrighted” works that are owned by the AP. Furthermore, I have always been careful to give full credit to the wire photographers who have taken the pictures, and have even interacted cordially with a handful of them. What The?
So why is the AP seeking action against me? I am not making any money off of their work. I am not a mainstream “news” site ala Yahoo, Google, or Breitbart. So what’s the deal? Is the Associated Press uncomfortable with the content of this website? Have I struck a nerve too close to home?

Is this an example of the big media companies running scared?

NEW YORK (Reuters [photoshopping]) – Nearly 70 percent of Americans believe traditional journalism is out of touch, and nearly half are turning to the Internet to get their news, according to a new survey.

While most people think journalism is important to the quality of life, 64 percent are dissatisfied with the quality of journalism in their communities, a We Media/Zogby Interactive online poll showed.

Jule Crittenden calls it “Legal Jihad“. Atlas Shrugs says grandly: “Shutting Down the Truth Tellers.” The mockery goes:

Dear Mr. Ledbetter:

It has come to The Associated Press’ (”AP”) attention that you are reproducing and displaying AP’s images on the website http://www.snappedshot.com/ (the “Website”). (Now how come this has come to your attention, but Muslim terrorists staging scenes of horrific barbarity perpetrated by U.S. Forces always seems to fly just under your radar? It’s the teddy bears they use isn’t it?)

A campaign begins.

Faked photos is nothing new. Some here. Faked photos did for Piers Morgan’s term as editor of the Daily Mirror.

Do you believe all you see?

Anorak

Posted: 2nd, March 2008 | In: Reviews Comments (4) | TrackBack | Permalink