NUJ calls on PA Media Group to treat photographers fairly following Alamy acquisition

  • 13 Feb 2020

The union has written to chief executive, Clive Marshall, to seek guarantees on its plans for its stock images acquisition.

The NUJ has written to PA Media Group to seek assurances following its purchase of picture agency Alamy that photographers will be treated fairly and has asked for a meeting with its chief executive, Clive Marshall, to discover further details on what the take-over will mean for its members.

Natasha Hirst, chair of the NUJ's Photographers' Council, said:

"The NUJ is extremely concerned that the announced purchase of Alamy by PA Media Group will result in diminished returns for photographers who contribute to Alamy's archive and live news service. Alamy's success as a picture library was founded on giving photographers more control and a higher percentage for the sale of their images, and while this has decreased due to market pressures, the current commission of 40-50 per cent is still much higher than many other stock agencies.
"Many of our photographer members rely on Alamy news and stock sales to boost their income. At a time when editorial and PR photographers are under increased financial pressure, the uncertainty caused by any new ownership is likely to lead to photographers looking to find alternative markets for their stock images or live news photographs. Without the creative talents of its freelance photographer contributors, Alamy would not exists, let alone thrive.
"While the NUJ welcomes the assurance from PA Media Group that it has no current plans to change prices or terms, it will be writing to the new owners seeking a meeting for guarantees around its future direction."

Return to listing