Have a look at our non-legalese summary or read the full agreements below.
At Byline, we believe in storytelling that brings communities closer to their news sources. Our platform connects local audiences with media companies looking for hyperlocal stories. Here’s what you need to know to participate.
When you join Byline, you get the chance to submit pieces of stories—like photos, interviews, or write-ups—that help create content for local media outlets. Think of it as crowdsourcing the news, with you as a vital contributor. In return, you can get paid for your submissions, and your work could get published in media outlets that matter to your community.
Be Honest and Respectful: Only submit original work. Don’t copy someone else’s work without permission. Make sure all the info you share is accurate—no fake news here.
Be Safe and Lawful: Don’t submit anything illegal, harmful, or offensive. We want to keep the platform useful for everyone.
If your submission is used, you’ll get paid according to the pricing we have set for that type of content. We’ll let you know in advance how much you’ll earn for each accepted piece. Payments will be processed after your submission is approved and used by our media partners.
Work for Hire Acknowledgment: By submitting your content to Byline and accepting payment for the same, you agree to transfer your intellectual property rights in that content to Byline, such that Byline has the exclusive authority to use and control that content. Byline also reserves ownership of any final product in which your submitted content is featured.
We Own the Platform: Byline owns the software, tools, and design of the platform. Please don’t copy or misuse any of it.
Some of the final content produced and published may be AI-assisted, meaning that Byline uses artificial intelligence to enhance or refine the stories generated. You agree to allow Byline to incorporate AI tools into the editorial process where necessary. Rest assured, we’re committed to ensuring the integrity and quality of all stories. Byline will adapt its terms and practices according to the most recent rulings and regulations around the use of AI in content creation.
We might update these terms from time to time. If we do, we’ll let you know by posting the changes on our website. Continuing to use Byline means you agree to the new terms.
We’re here to make things easy. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our support team. We’re always happy to help!
This Agreement outlines the terms and conditions between Byline, Inc. ("Byline") and the Storyteller ("You") concerning your provision of media content and related materials to Byline.
Byline provides a platform where Storytellers can offer various story assets (such as photos, interviews, videos, and written content) to assist local media companies with hyperlocal journalism. By submitting any content to Byline, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
Content: Includes but is not limited to written articles, images, video recordings, audio clips, interviews, reports, and any other materials submitted by the Contributor for publication or other use on Byline’s platform.
Submission: The act of delivering or uploading your Content to Byline for consideration by media partners and publication.
Storytellers: Any individual or entity providing Content to Byline, under the terms set out in this Agreement.
In exchange for the compensation provided to you for your submission (the “Work”), you agree that your submission constitutes a “work for hire” under federal law. You and Byline agree that Byline owns all right, title, and interest in the Works, including the copyrights to the Work, with such ownership dating back to the date of its creation.
To the extent that the submission is not deemed to be a “work for hire” for any reason, you agree that you have assigned to Byline any and all copyrights in the Work, with Byline as sole author. You and Byline further agree that, as the sole copyright owner of the Work, Byline owns all rights, title, and interest in the Work, including but not limited to the exclusive right to publish, display, copy, distribute, license, alter, or make derivative works, in any manner or place, and in any medium of expression, now known or later invented, as Byline sees fit, in its sole discretion, without further authorization or consent. You and Byline further agree that Byline shall own all rights now or in the future to obtain trademark and/or copyright registration for any of the Work. You and Byline further agree that the rights you confer upon Byline under this paragraph shall be exclusive to it in perpetuity. Further, you and Byline agree that once your submitted Work has been turned into a complete and published piece, Byline reserves ownership of the final product.
Byline reserves the right to make necessary modifications, such as editing or enhancing the Content with AI assistance, in accordance with ethical journalism standards and guidelines.
Compensation for your Content will be determined on a case-by-case basis and outlined in specific project briefs or submission guidelines.
Payments are made once the Content is approved by a media partner and published. The payment timeline is set forth by Byline, and payment amounts depend on the type of Content submitted and its usage.
Byline utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in the editorial process, including but not limited to editing, fact-checking, and enhancing story structures. Byline is committed to following current rulings and regulations regarding AI’s use in content production, ensuring transparency and maintaining the quality of all published Content.
Byline reserves the right to modify or alter Content as necessary to ensure it meets our quality standards or is suitable for publication. This may include editorial revisions, formatting changes, or using AI to assist in crafting the final version. All edits will maintain the original integrity and intention of the work provided by the Contributor.
By submitting Content, you represent and warrant that:
You agree to keep all details regarding assignments, briefs, and communications from Byline confidential, and you will not disclose or share any information with third parties without written consent from Byline.
Byline will not be held liable for any damages arising from the use of the Content provided, including any misinterpretation, misuse, or unauthorized distribution of the Content by third parties.
Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice. Upon termination, Byline will cease using the Contributor’s Content, except for Content already published, which may continue to be used in accordance with the license granted.
Byline reserves the right to modify this Agreement at any time, and you will be notified of any changes. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which Byline is headquartered.
1. Scope of Services:
Byline provides a platform connecting Newsrooms to Storytellers who submit hyperlocal story assets (such as photos, interviews, videos, written content). Byline agrees to facilitate the delivery of story assets to Newsroom based on the specific briefs provided.
2. Grant of Rights:
a. License to Use Content:
Newsroom receives a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and worldwide license to use, modify, distribute, and publish the Content provided by Storytellers in both print and digital formats.
b. AI-Assisted Modifications:
Newsroom acknowledges that some content provided to them may be AI-assisted. Byline will follow the latest legal rulings concerning AI-generated content and ensure all submissions adhere to the most recent copyright and editorial regulations.
3. Payment and Compensation:
a. Compensation to Byline:
Newsroom agrees to pay Byline a fee for the story assets based on agreed-upon rates. The rates and payment terms will be outlined in the individual project briefs.
b. Payment Terms:
Payments are to be made within [number of days] upon receipt of an invoice from Byline.
4. Quality Standards and Revisions:
a. Editorial Control:
Byline ensures that all content submitted to the Newsroom has passed editorial checks for accuracy and relevance. However, the Newsroom may request reasonable revisions to submitted content to ensure it meets its own editorial guidelines. These changes may include, but are not limited to, style adjustments, fact-checking, and layout formatting.
b. AI-Assisted Content:
Byline guarantees that all AI-assisted content is fact-checked and adheres to industry standards for journalistic integrity.
5. Warranties and Representations:
Byline warrants that:
a. All submitted Content is original and free from copyright infringement.
b. The Storytellers will have gathered the information legally and ethically, complying with industry standards.
c. The content is free from defamatory, offensive, or inappropriate material.
6. Confidentiality:
Newsroom agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Byline’s proprietary information, including but not limited to Storyteller identities, internal processes, and pricing details, unless otherwise authorized in writing by Byline.
7. Liability Limitation:
Byline is not liable for any third-party claims regarding published Content after it has been distributed or modified by the Newsroom. Once the Content has been altered by the Newsroom, the newsroom assumes full liability for its publication and distribution.
8. Termination:
Either party may terminate this Agreement with [number of days] notice. Any Content already submitted to the Newsroom prior to termination may still be used under the terms outlined above.
9. Indemnification:
The Newsroom agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Byline from any claims, damages, or losses arising from the use, modification, or publication of the submitted Content.
10. Governing Law:
This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [State], without regard to its conflicts of laws principles.
11. Entire Agreement:
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, discussions, or understandings.
12. AI-Compliance Note:
Byline commits to adapting its Terms of Service to align with the most recent rulings concerning AI usage in content production and copyright laws. The Newsroom acknowledges that AI tools may assist in content production, and Byline ensures that all such content adheres to current legal standards.1
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