We reported there previously about it. Because it was too crazy for words. Cable companies refused to pay writers since 2012. They did pay broadcasters, producers and men in suits like that with a BMW in front of the door, but not writers. And neither did journalists. While a large part of those clubs' billions in profits comes from the very content creators earned.
This could not continue like this, and so copyright association Lira took the matter to court. There, the cable companies' lawyer told them that writers were like peanut farmers, and they didn't go to the AH to ask for money for the Calvé jars either. Or something else crooked. Enfin. The judge didn't swallow that and now they have to pay. Retroactively. Can investigative journalism be done a little longer, and good original drama written on Dutch television.
The entire press release is below:
The Amsterdam court ruled today that a number of major cable companies have been infringing the copyrights of (screenplay) writers for almost two years by offering television programmes and films to their subscribers without their consent.
In October 2012, UPC, ZIGGO and Delta stopped paying the fees to LIRA, the writers' rights organisation. The cable companies believed that the writers were no longer entitled to the fees because they would have already arranged the necessary permission through broadcasters and film producers. However, the court held that the rights belonged to LIRA, which could claim the fees on behalf of its authors on that basis.
Almost all Dutch screenwriters are members of LIRA. The cable fee is an important part of these writers' income. A recent survey conducted by the Scenario Writers Network (the professional association of screenwriters) among writers of youth drama revealed that half of these authors cannot exist without this fee.
Franky Ribbens, board member of the Screenwriters Network and writer of Penoza, among others: 'This is a major victory for filmmakers, who can finally share again in the substantial profits that billion-dollar companies such as UPC and ZIGGO make from the distribution of their films and television series. Incidentally, these are a fraction of total sales. For many writers, however, this is an indispensable source of income to continue their creative work' .
Cable companies must also seek permission from LIRA for offering broadcast missed services through cable subscriptions, the Amsterdam court said.
LIRA, together with directors' and actors' organisations, is now in talks with cable companies and broadcasters to reach sound agreements. 'This victory is an important support in this regard', said Kees Holierhoek, Chairman of LIRA.
The judgment has immediate effect and the cable companies must reimburse all LIRA's legal costs.
LIRA is the collective management organisation for screenwriters, translators and journalists. LIRA collects and distributes copyright fees for, among other things, cable retransmission, home copying, lending rights and reproduction rights. For more information see www.lira.nl/kabel. The verdict is here to read.
Illustration Udo Prinssen / Carambolas
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