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Getty swallows image.net

Posted: 05/08/04 By: Jemima Kiss

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Getty Images, the global image and photographic agency, has acquired entertainment site image.net in a deal believed to be worth $20 million.

image.net distributes digital images and marketing material for the entertainment industry including film stills and promotional photos. News organisations around the world, including the Times, Le Monde and El Pais are registered with the site.

Getty has driven the use of new technology in the photography industry, says Andy Blackmore, freelance photographer and former picture editor for the Independent and the Guardian. But he believes that Getty's control of the photography market could be unhealthy.

"image.net was not in a niche - it was the niche. Getty recognised that," he told dotJournalism.

"If this was happening in any other industry there would be alarm bells ringing."

Mr Blackmore is concerned that with a larger share of the market and reduced competition, Getty may increase its prices.

"Getty regard photography purely as a business, and some in the industry would do well to learn from that.

"But I think the art and creativity of photography shouldn't be forgotten."

More news from dotJournalism:
Missing the big picture
PA acquires sports agency
Press photographers surf the wireless wave

See also:
Getty: http://creative.gettyimages.com
Image.net: http://www.image.net
Andy Blackmore: http://www.smallgreenfrog.com

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