Freelance Contributor Agreement
Unless otherwise stated in writing, the following terms apply to individuals engaged by the Publisher on an irregular freelance basis for the production of content for both print and digital formats (the “Contributor”). These terms are in addition to any other terms provided by the Publisher at the time of commission and do not constitute an employment contract.
Commissioning Process
The Publisher reserves the right to commission the Contributor for specific projects. Each commission’s scope and nature will be mutually agreed upon between the Contributor and the commissioning editor.
Production of Content
Upon accepting a commission, the Contributor agrees to deliver original content that meets professional standards, in exchange for the pre-agreed payment. Submitting the content to the Publisher indicates the Contributor’s acceptance of these terms.
Licensing and Compensation
3.1 The Contributor retains ownership of the copyright to the commissioned content.
3.2 In exchange for the agreed-upon fee, the Contributor grants the Publisher the following worldwide, irrevocable, and sublicensable rights:
a) The right to reproduce the commissioned content in any of the Publisher’s publications.
b) The ongoing global right to store, publish, adapt, archive, copy, reproduce, and distribute the content across all platforms, digital and print, including content aggregators, clipping services, and archives. This right includes multiple uses within the original publication on the same day.
3.3 Rates: The Contributor should refer to the Managing Editor’s office for the current rates, with the following distinctions for Sun Publications:
a) For photographs, different rates are applied:
(i) “Live” images (taken at an event and submitted within 3 days of the event).
(ii) “Stock” images (taken at an event and submitted after 3 days).
b) For video content, a one-time fee is paid for its initial use, with a reduced fee for subsequent uses, which includes associated video grabs and clips.
c) A single payment is due for the use of commissioned content regardless of whether it appears in one or more of the Publisher’s publications or is reused in the same article.
Submission of Ideas
Any ideas submitted by the Contributor may be independently developed by the Publisher without any obligation to the Contributor.
Governing Law
These commissioning terms, along with any disputes or claims arising in connection with them (including non-contractual disputes), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Definitions
For the purposes of these terms, the following definitions apply:
- “Commissioned Content” refers to any text, images, photos, videos, sound recordings, graphics, or other materials created by the Contributor and commissioned by the Publisher.
- “Publications” includes the Publisher’s products (whether in print, digital, audio, or video formats), including articles, programs, news services, and all derivative or branded content, across any and all platforms, and any future publications of the Publisher.
- “The Publisher” refers to News US & Ireland Limited (News US), and any affiliated or subsidiary company.
- “Video” encompasses all forms of moving visual media, whether with or without audio, such as live broadcasts, recorded footage, clips, and stills captured from video content.