Update 2. The following email from NDTV puts an end to the story amicably. Swift response from NDTV is appreciable. Thanks to Amit from NDTV for handling this in a professional manner. I received another email again from Amit, assuring that they will keep a strict watch on origin of content that goes into their system.
__________________________
Your feedback to NDTV.com
Amit xxxxxx <xxxxx@ndtv.com> Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 10:14 AM
To: Arun B <xxxxxx@gmail.com>
Dear Arun,
Thank you for your mail to NDTV.com.
We initiated an enquiry as soon as we received your complaint, and it seems that the image you have referred to, crept into our systems inadvertently. Although there are strict editorial standards and guidelines in place at NDTV.com, sometimes the sheer volume of content that we handle everyday and the multiplicity of sources through which this content comes in, can overwhelm the system. But that is not an excuse. Any lapse in the usage of third-party material is a very serious issue to us and we deeply regret what happened in your particular case. We are strengthening our internal processes to ensure that something like this never happens again. In response to your mail we have also removed the image in question from our servers.
We want to work closely with each and every user of NDTV.com to enrich their experience on the site and will look forward to your continued support and valuable feedback in the days to come.
Regards,
Amit xxxxx
NDTV Convergence Ltd
New Delhi
__________________________
Arun B <xxxxxx@gmail.com> Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
To: Amit xxxxxxx <xxxxxxx@ndtv.com>
Dear Amit,
Thank you for your quick response and swift action in removing the image. I appreciate it.
I do hope that you you will conduct an inquiry into the leak and take necessary action.
Thanks,
Arun
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Update 1. NDTV has removed the story from their website. You can see screenshot of the story here. I also received an email from them requesting my contact details, which I provided in my reply. It is indication that NDTV seems to have taken the matter seriously, which is appreciable. But still need to wait to hear from them again.
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The story of large media companies stealing images from the internet continues. This time the culprit is NDTV. In one of their stories at ndtvtravels.com, they have used one of my images without compensation, permission or attribution.
The image stolen is a picture of Chandratal Lake at http://travels.ndtv.com/Story.aspx?pageheader=news&sub_category=&ID=226
I am taking up the issue with NDTV, and have written to them at feedback@ndtv.com and
rajiv@ndtv.com, as mentioned on their website. I also tried to fill the feedback form, but it gave me the following error message several times:
“We are sorry, but we were unable to service your request. You may wish to choose from the links below for the information you are looking for.”
I hope the above mailboxes are monitored and emails to these addresses don’t end up in a black hole. The issue will be tracked in this page, and any response will be posted here. Here is a copy of email I sent.
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Stolen images on ndtvtravels.com
Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 1:50 PM
To: feedback@ndtv.com, rajiv@ndtv.com
Hi,
This is related to your story “Air India to restart lone Himachal flight” published on your website at [url]
It is regrettable to see that the image published along with the story – [image url] is taken by me, and is stolen from my website([url]) or my flickr account([url]), with neither compensation nor attribution. Please explain this. Progress on this issue will be tracked on the web at http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/
You can also see a screenshot of the page at [url]
Thanks,
Arun
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Below is a snapshot of the screen, showing the stolen image.
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Mainstream media never seem to learn.
COmmon options like feedback forms or editor@channelname.com usually never fetch expected results. Find a proper contact in NDTV and escalate.
Best wishes
Shame!
This is extremely cheap demonstration… I expect them to grow up! Set better examples…
Perfect example of how disorganized they are! By the way who is talking about India to get better organized…
How you have managed to find it!
@Shrinidhi, thanks for the tip. Seems like NDTV is responding.
@Rajesh and BOSS, thanks for the concerns.
@Sparsha, I accidentally stumbled on it.
Good to know there was quick resolution to the issue.
Good to see that they removed it and responded to your email yet it should not have happened in the first place.
I do not agree with their action! It is NOT amicable but intelligent to safe guard themselves.
@BOSS, The ideal response probably would have been for them to issue an apology on their website and compensate the copyright holder. But considering that (1) this is the first time ever that they have been caught, (2) a few other media houses had completely ignored when they were caught in such incidences, and (3) they haven’t tried to defend themselves and agreed their mistake, I think it is fair to close this here. But would they be found continuing such practices(stealing anyone’s content, not just mine), it would be a right time to demand more measures.
Good to see a satisfactory ending…
[...] was an accident. It is a wonder how so many such accidents have been happening these days. Like an accident that NDTV website had with one of my images. Blog aggregators like desipundit and blogbharti are [...]