Every time an agency contract comes up for review at a news organization, there will always be someone saying: “Couldn’t we just do without [insert name of agency here]?” Generally, it is what’s known as a negotiating tactic. This time it’s Tony Maddox of CNN International, and the agency is Reuters, and apparently he means business.
There are very good reasons not to rely on agencies. Operationally, it forces your newsgathering to be more self-reliant, but the real bonus is commercial — you own what you shoot. And there are very good reasons to rely on them — they have different and complementary strengths, they can be in places you can’t ever be.
Still disentangling yourself from a relationship like this is a major logistical headache. I’m sure Reuters (and CNN teams)will be keeping tabs on all those times CNN don’t have access to the key pictures or the crucial angle. But will the audience notice?
Personally, I’d be more convinced of the commercial argument if Maddox put numbers on the investment CNN is making in its newsgathering. If it’s more than it was paying Reuters that’s an investment. If not, that squeezing sound is the belt being tightened.
