Rights & Clearances Associate (ABC News)

Join a dynamic team and work with the brightest media and legal minds in the business on the proliferation of ABC News content as our Rights and Clearances Associate. 

Responsibilities:

The ABC News Rights & Clearances Associate will be responsible for licensing third party content for use in ABC News programming. This professional will work closely with members of the News Division’s production units providing guidance and advice on rights matters, including negotiating and drafting license and settlement agreements. They will also coordinate and perform various administrative tasks in connection with this position. This position requires a team player who will interact daily with the Rights & Clearance staff, the production staff, the legal department, editorial practices, ABC News Studios, the NewsOne affiliate service, the internet group and other departments.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 1+ years of professional experience, preferably in the Television, Film, Licensing, or Digital Media industries.
• Must have basic understanding of intellectual property contracts and key provisions.
• Must possess a keen interest in the legal and policy developments surrounding issues involving Copyright law, Technology, as well as Artificial Intelligence and Language Models.
• Must have experience negotiating and drafting agreements for third party material (photos and footage) for ABC News Programming and be skilled at evaluating and settling third party claims – able to negotiate with diplomacy.
• Must be able to screen footage and provide administrative and research assistance for current news shows and new programming and distribution opportunities, and assistance with other assigned projects.
• Must have ability and willingness to work in fast-paced, 24/7 breaking news environment along with the ability to manage and prioritize workflow according to our programming needs, including off-hours availability and rotating weekend coverage.
• Works well under pressure and in a team-setting, including engaging with cross-functional partners.
• Must be able to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Must be solution oriented.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, DocuSign, and Social Media.
• Must have great communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Must be skilled in conflict resolution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 3+ Years in a rights and clearances professional environment.
• Experience with handling copyright clearances and work with stock footage or photo houses.
• Familiarity working with guilds and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience and proficiency in Rights Management software, such as Rightsline is plus.

Education:

• Juris Doctor or currently enrolled in law school (2L or 3L)
• Bachelor's Degree.

About ABC News:

ABC News is America’s No. 1 news source, providing straightforward, fact-driven journalism across broadcast, streaming, digital and audio. ABC’s award-winning programs include “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” and “The View.” Platforms include 24/7 streaming channel ABC News Live featuring “Prime with Linsey Davis,” ABC News Studios, ABC News Digital, ABC Audio and NewsOne. Based in New York City, ABC News is comprised of three U.S. bureaus and eight international bureaus, with a presence in more than 20 countries around the world. 

The hiring range for this position in New York is $67,400 to $90,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.