Under the Banner “Download History” the BBC has opened up parts of its archives. In addition to this it also allows users to be creative with the material.
“For the first time in its history BBC News is opening its archives to the UK public for a trial period. You can download nearly 80 news reports covering iconic events of the past 50 years.”
The material is released under a Creative Archive License which basically states: Non-commercial use, Share -Alike, Attribution, No Endorsement and No derogatory use. The archives therefore allow you to take the footage of the Berlin Wall coming down and set it to your own music – very, very cool.
However, my enthusiasm for this was dampened considerably when I found that the BBC really meant within the UK. If you are outside the UK – you will have to pay (?) In addition to this the share-alike clause explains:
“You are welcome to download the clips, watch them, and use them to create something unique. This is a pilot and we want to understand your creative needs. We’d like to see your productions and showcase some of the most interesting ones we receive.”
Does this include the UK limitation? Then how? According to the BBC share alike clause it is ok for anyone within the UK to take a clip and share it with me (outside the UK). Very annoying in a world were borders are usually not important.