More and more journalists are using images and other types of materials found on the web to create stories and multimedia packages. Without a dedicated media department, independent journalists in particular can easily run afoul of existing copyright laws. Fair Use provides a small haven by allowing exceptions to strict copyright laws for reasons of critique or news reporting. But how many reporters or media makers truly understand their rights? Patricia Aufderheide, director of the Center for Social Media at American University, recently co-authored Reclaiming Fair Use: How to Put Balance Back in Copyright and agreed to speak with ONA about free speech rights, documentary filmmaking and SOPA (the Stop Online Piracy Act).

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