CRA accuses employers of "abusing" its members' rights

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA), an affiliation of organisations representing creative talent throughout the media industry, have expressed concerns that its freelance members are being denied equitable rights by employers.
In a document entitled 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' the CRA – which represents authors, playwrights, journalists, directors, photographers, composers and musicians – have accused publishers, broadcasting companies, Internet Service Providers and data banks of "abusing" its members rights.
The CRA claim that there are several problem areas including the use and re-use of a creators’ works without adequate payment or recognition often without any payment at all. The CRA also claim that projects are frequently used for purposes other than those made clear at the outset or the mutilation or modification of works without the creator’s consent.
In a statement the CRA said: "Abuses are often a result of the fact that creators in the UK are frequently coerced into granting unlimited rights to publishers and broadcasters as well as into waiving their moral rights."
The CRA has called for the reform of moral rights and the introduction of regulations in contract law for creators. The group stated that it recognised legal reforms would not necessarily improve the position of CRA members who operate in a free market environment.
However, the organisation went on to say that reforms could "provide an environment in which creativity can thrive and the cultural industries could prosper".
Creators' Rights Alliance, www.creatorsrights.org
(GMcG)