Content Sharing & Attribution Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Content Sharing and Attribution Policy is to establish clear guidelines for how media produced by Edinburg Spotlight may be shared, distributed, and credited.

Edinburg Spotlight creates documentary media intended to highlight stories within the community. As these stories are shared across digital platforms, it is important to maintain proper attribution and protect the integrity of the original work.

This policy outlines acceptable ways participants, partners, and the public may share Edinburg Spotlight content.

2. Ownership of Content

All media created by Edinburg Spotlight remains the intellectual property of Edinburg Spotlight unless otherwise stated in a written agreement.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• documentary films
• micro-documentaries
• photographs
• social clips
• interviews
• behind-the-scenes footage
• written articles
• graphics and promotional materials

These materials are protected under United States copyright law and applicable laws of the State of Texas.

3. Permitted Sharing

Participants, businesses, and the public may share links and use original-linked native reposting tools for publicly released Edinburg Spotlight Content without charge to support the stories and help others discover our work. Native reposts must retain original attribution and the connection to the original post.

Permitted sharing may include:

• using native repost or share tools that retain the original post and attribution
• sharing links to official Edinburg Spotlight posts or videos
• embedding official videos on websites or blogs when allowed by the platform
• sharing official images provided by Edinburg Spotlight according to the permission accompanying those images

"Embedding an official Edinburg Spotlight video through standard platform embed tools is permitted; however, embedding does not grant the right to download, host, or independently control the media. Hosting or controlling the video outside of the original platform may require a separate website usage license."

When sharing content, the original media should remain unaltered and should include appropriate attribution to Edinburg Spotlight.

An ordinary native repost may remain accessible in a repost tab or sharing history without requiring a paid license merely because it persists. Permission does not depend on a repost disappearing or moving down a feed. Native Story sharing is permitted when it is not retained as a public Highlight or pinned promotional asset. Personal bookmarking alone is different from public promotional placement.

This sharing permission does not authorize downloading and uploading Content to a business’s own feed, pinning or prominently featuring it, retaining it in permanent public Highlights, advertising with it, or maintaining it as a comparable business promotional asset. Such uses require separate written permission or an applicable license. Website embedding is governed by the separate embedding provision above.

4. Attribution Requirements

When sharing Edinburg Spotlight content, users should provide clear credit to the project.

Attribution should include:

• the name Edinburg Spotlight
• tagging the official Edinburg Spotlight account when possible
• linking to the original post or video when available

Example attribution:

“Featured by Edinburg Spotlight”

or

“Story by Edinburg Spotlight”

Proper attribution helps viewers locate the original story and supports the project’s mission.

5. Prohibited Uses

Unless explicitly authorized through a licensing agreement, Edinburg Spotlight content may not be used for the following purposes:

• commercial advertising
• resale or redistribution of media
• modification or editing of videos or images
• removal of logos, watermarks, or credits
• repackaging content as part of another production
• misrepresenting the story or altering its meaning

Uses outside the sharing permission require separate written authorization or an applicable license. Ordinary original-linked native reposts are permitted even when shared by a business; they do not automatically grant broader promotional usage rights.

6. Licensed Content Use

Participants who obtain licensed media from Edinburg Spotlight may use the licensed materials according to the terms outlined in their licensing agreement.

Licensed content may allow specific uses such as:

• promotional social media posts
• website storytelling
• marketing materials
• informational media

Licensed content must still comply with any restrictions specified in the licensing agreement.

7. Third-Party Sharing

Members of the public, media outlets, and community organizations may share Edinburg Spotlight content through standard sharing tools provided by digital platforms.

However, third parties may not download, edit, or republish the content outside of the platform’s sharing functionality unless written permission is granted.

Requests for broader distribution rights should be directed to Edinburg Spotlight.

8. Misrepresentation of Content

Edinburg Spotlight content may not be shared in a way that misrepresents:

• the participant featured in the story
• the intent of the documentary
• the message or narrative presented

Users should avoid adding captions, edits, or commentary that falsely alters the meaning of the content.

9. Reporting Unauthorized Use

If Edinburg Spotlight becomes aware of unauthorized use or modification of its content, the project reserves the right to take appropriate action, including requesting removal of the material from digital platforms.

10. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated as Edinburg Spotlight expands its distribution platforms and storytelling formats.

Participants and viewers are encouraged to review the most recent version of this policy when sharing Edinburg Spotlight content.

11. Governing Law

This policy shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas and applicable United States copyright law.

Any disputes related to the use or distribution of Edinburg Spotlight content shall fall under the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts within the State of Texas.