Who typically owns the copyright for journalistic articles or photos?

In most cases, the employer of the journalist holds the copyright for journalistic articles and photographs. This practice stems from the principle of "work made for hire." When a journalist produces content as part of their employment duties, the employer is often granted ownership of the copyright. This arrangement allows the media organization to control the distribution and reproduction of the work, ensuring that it aligns with the company's brand and objectives.

While journalists may retain some moral rights over their work, such as the right to attribution or the right to object to derogatory treatment, the economic rights—those that allow for making money from the work—typically belong to the employer. This means that any profits derived from the publication or sale of the content usually go to the media organization.

It's important to note that individual contracts may vary, and some journalists may negotiate terms that allow them to retain rights to their work. However, the general rule within the industry favors the employer as the owner of the copyright.