FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Robert Vickers
Email: communications@thekingcenter.org
Phone: 404-526-8946
Fax: 404-526-8969
Atlanta, Georgia
July 12, 2000
CBS NEWS AND THE ESTATE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. REACH AGREEMENT
ON USE OF FOOTAGE OF DR. KING’S SPEECHES
CBS News and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., have reached an agreement
on the use of CBS News’ film and videotape footage of Dr. King’s
speeches, it was announced today by Andrew Heyward, President, CBS News,
and Dexter Scott King, President of the King Estate and son of Dr. King.
The agreement amicably resolves the pending copyright action by the King
Estate against CBS.
"We are delighted that we have reached an agreement regarding use
of my father’s “I Have A Dream" speech”, said King.
"We look forward to a new and harmonious relationship with CBS."
“We are very pleased that we could resolve the issues in this matter
to everyone’s satisfaction,” said Heyward. “The agreement
allows CBS News to continue to produce documentaries about the historic
civil rights movement, including perhaps the most seminal and important
speech of the time, and to educate future generations about Dr. King’s
monumental work and legacy.”
CBS News will retain the right to use its footage of the speeches, including
the "I Have A Dream" speech. CBS News will also have the right
to license its footage to others while providing contact information,
as appropriate, regarding the Estates claimed intellectual property rights.
CBS News will provide footage of the speeches for the use of the King
Estate in producing certain works about Dr. King. CBS also will make a
contribution to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social
Change to further the work it does to educate the public about Dr. King’s
role in the struggle for civil rights.
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