Photojournalists and festivals agree on working conditions

In western Switzerland, there had been conflicts between photographers and festival operators, particularly at the Paléo music festival in Nyon and the Montreux Jazz Festival. As a result, the photographers and the festivals worked out a charter on working conditions by mutual agreement. The aim is to ensure that the existing restrictions are not extended any further or become an irrevocable habit, as the professional association Impressum announced on Wednesday. This has been achieved with the charter. Photographers can in principle take pictures during at least the first three performances of the artists. The festivals also undertake to make appropriate areas available to them. The festivals also undertake to ensure that the artists do not demand any right of inspection, assignment of image rights or time restrictions for the use of the photographs. In addition, the festivals must disclose if images they have published have been retouched or approved by the artist. At present, the charter only applies to the Paléo and the Montreux Jazz Festival, said Laurent Gilliéron from the Board of Swiss Photojournalists. They have not yet had time to approach other events.

Festivals satisfied

The festivals are satisfied. This charter lays down key values and can act as a preventative measure, said Antoine Bal, media spokesman for the Montreux Jazz Festival. He also recalled the role of the festival, which serves as a link between the musicians' management and the photographers. The Paléo is also "very satisfied", as media spokesperson Michèle Müller said. They have been working for years to ensure that there are as few restrictions as possible. It is also in the interest of the festivals that good quality images appear in the press. (SDA)

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