Association of College & Research Libraries
CBS License to National Archives
The National Archives and Records Service of the United States has been granted a nonexclusive, royalty-free license by Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. to record and maintain libraries of all news, documentary, public alfairs, and special events broadcast on the CBS Television Network.
The license allows the National Archives to record CBS News television broadcasts and to make copies of the recordings for use at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and at the sixteen branch archives and presidential libraries around the country. Scholars, researchers, and others meeting the requirements set by the National Archives would have access to the libraries.
At the moment CBS is engaged in a federal court dispute with Vanderbilt University, which operates a Television News Archives, charging that the university’s nonprofit service involves editing, duplication, and distribution of CBS broadcasts in violation of CBS’ copyright privilege.
The license to the National Archives does not allow for editing other than the deletion of commercials and gives the National Archives the right to develop and distribute an index, summary, catalog, or other literature. CBS will also provide transcripts of broadcasts covered by the license.
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