All British television directors other than company employees, whether they make dramatised or documentary programmes, have a copyright in their work.

As a result of legislation enacted in 1996, the principal director is a co-author and co-first owner of copyright in all works directed since 1 July 1994. These works cannot be exploited (e.g. broadcast, repeated, copied, sold) without the director's authorisation.

However, very few UK directors' contracts acknowledge the value of these rights, and directors are usually required to assign all their rights to the production company or broadcaster - in effect to give them away for nothing.

British writers and composers on the other hand (also authors of their work) have agreements that ensure they are paid whenever their work is exploited, as do actors and musicians. Directors are being forced to accept 'buyouts'. This discrimination is unjust.

In the meantime, the means by which this work is used and reused are proliferating - whether on dedicated new cable channels or through the Internet. Time is running out. Directors must act now, and act together, if they are to achieve proper recognition.

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