I openeded Facebook earlier to an article from my town’s local newspaper with at least 5 of my photos from a local music festival included in the article without any credit. I gave the band permission to use my photos however they would like, as long as I’m given credit. They used my photos to promote a show they’re doing, in the newspaper, and they told the newspaper who I was. But then the newspaper printed off copies without crediting me there, nor online and I’m not sure what to do. I tried to contact them and they said I could “leave a message” and they never got back to me. I don’t know if there’s anything I can do.
The paper is a professional business and knows they need to credit photographers. Some have just become lazy, and no one bothers them anymore, so they get away with it. They get to use your stuff to make money.
Send them a bill. If it isn’t paid, then small claims court. No newspaper wants to be seen as the bully and ripping people off.
You can share on social media the post and with a statement how they used your photos without permission or credit.
Just remember, you own the copyright, and you give usage license under terms. The terms were not met, so you have legal rights to compensation.