CNN Lawyers Get Tough With Staff Over Michael Jackson Footage

First on TVNewser: The legal action in the Michael Jackson case may go beyond those involving Jackson’s estate and to the media that are covering him.

TVNewser has learned the CNN legal department sent out an email to the staff today in which they announced that they are expecting lawsuits over the network’s unauthorized use of Michael Jackson footage over the past several days.

The email goes on to say that if a violation results in legal action against CNN, the person(s) responsible “may feel the financial effect in year-end bonuses.”

A CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser, “There are always ongoing conversations to make sure we are following appropriate practices.”

And with so many hours already filled with so much video of Michael Jackson, the rights-holders of the video will no doubt cash in on their property — when the companies pay for usage or through lawsuits against those who don’t.

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion‘s Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook’s Morin Oluwole, and bitly’s Tim Devane. Register now.