A great story on CNET discovers that someone by the handle of Belowtheradar is encoding copyrighted clips from TV, embedding graphics that identify them with Gawker’s blogs and uploading the video to YouTube. The clips then appear on those same blogs a short time later (example). Could this be Gawker running afoul of copyright laws and even taking credit for it? Gawker didn’t respond to CNET’s calls, but broadcasters contacted by the CNET reporter are none so happy. “We have plans to pursue this matter further,” said Audrey Pass, spokesperson for WNYW Channel 5, which had a newcast clip posted on YouTube with an animated open that reads, “Gawker recommends.” If this turns out to be Gawker’s doing — stealing TV video with the intent to increase traffic (and revenue) on their own blogs — they could have a real mess on their hands. Of the 60 videos posted by Belowtheradar, 51 feature graphics for a Gawker blog and appear to be material obtained from major broadcasters. Stay tuned.
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