The Guardian News & Media (GNM) group’s new terms, which came into force on 1 September 09, mean that freelancers no longer receive income from commissioned images, which are subsequently re-used by the group.

In September, press photographers staged a protest outside the Guardian’s London office. French photographers are now refusing to work for the Guardian News & Media (GNM) group. (Source)

The money saved at GNM group is minimal but it would seem that greed and exploitation know no limits. The damage to photographers is huge. I understand that many photographers, who work regularly for the group, will find their income reduced by as much as 40%. Perhaps even more importantly, such moves threaten photographers’ rights to their intellectual property and propagate an attitude, where a photograph is anyone’s to take.

More than 1,000 photographers have so far signed a petition against the move. Supporters include photographers Eamonn McCabe, Chris Steele-Perkins, Don McCullin and, of course, myself.

Photographers, say no to corporate greed and sign the online petition.

Update 23/09/09: Guardian photo protest spreads