Ariana Television Network (ATN) on Monday launched its new contributor program, which will allow content creators across Afghanistan to send in newsworthy videos for general use by Ariana News.

Videos can initially be sent via What’s App to be vetted by Ariana News. If accepted a formal process will be followed and later, the content creator will be paid for their submission.

This contributor initiative is especially applicable to breaking news, so anyone with a smartphone, who happens to be where a major story is unfolding, can immediately send through video footage for use by Ariana News.

Once submitted, Ariana News will contact the content creator if the video/photograph is selected for use.

Strict steps are in place to assess videos or photos and there are rules that need to be adhered to.

Submission guidelines

All content submitted must be original and created by you. We do not accept content that infringes on any copyright or trademark laws. DO NOT send us videos or images downloaded from websites.

Quality: High-quality content that includes sharp focus will be appreciated.

Relevance: We require content that is relevant to the news event. This includes images or videos. Outdated content depicting past events will not be accepted.

Permissions: All content we use requires signed permission from the individual who filmed the event. This ensures that we have permission to use the content.

Copyright: Ensure you own the rights to your files or have obtained the necessary permission to sell them. You should not submit copyrighted material or trademarked designs that you do not have the legal right to distribute.

Exclusivity: Content creators must agree to allow us complete exclusivity. Once a contract is signed, the creator will not be able to resell or pass on the video to any other news portal nor will they be able to upload the content to their own platforms or any other platform.

Raw material: All videos submitted must be in the original format – it must be the raw material. No logos, no watermarks, no music, no text etc.

Location and Date: Ensure the location is written correctly along with the exact date of the event. This is important.

Payment: Payment will only be made once we agree to using the footage and have a signed agreement in place with the content creator. A submission DOES NOT automatically qualify for publication.

Right of Use: ATN will have first and full rights to use the content and to share content with Ariana News’ partners and/or 3rd parties. ATN and partners/3rd parties will have full rights to brand the content as needed. No submissions will be accepted if the content has already been submitted or sold to another company.

Content Creator’s Identity: Names of all content creators will be withheld. No bylines will be given.