No more "special photo"!!!!

The newspaper adviser who preceded me told the kids that they can use Internet photos for their stories if they put the words "special photo" beneath the photo. I've even seen this practice in our local paper. I have been fighting this copyright battle since I became journalism teacher two years ago. Because I am new to journalism--newer than several of my staff members--they do not believe that I know what I'm talking about. I want them to take their own photos whenever they can, and I certainly want to teach them responsible journalism. I believe Frank LoMonte's session on the law and student press was clear and helpful. I have actually used material from the SPLC before, specifically a webcast about copyright. I'm committed to doing a better job next year in enforcing copyright. The students would rather ignore the laws because it makes their lives easier, yet if they want to be taken seriously, they have to be ethical. Here is a webcast that I've used with my students: https://rtdna.adobeconnect.com/_a840572718/p71498883/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal

Frank LoMonte explains copyright law to high school journalism teachers.

Donna Owen
McIntosh High School
Peachtree City, Georgia