It could be that the explanation is much simpler than that. The CEOs of old world institutions like the A.P. (and I'm really trying not to generalize here but

It could be that the explanation is much simpler than that. The CEOs of old world institutions like the A.P. (and I'm really trying not to generalize here but I've seen it too many times) can't be bothered to surf the web for a few minutes let alone try to understand the basic accepted concepts of web based copyrights. Somebody in the line of command either was too scared to set him straight, or straight failed to explain properly how the online world works. This CEO had a lightbulb moment, was too convinced that it will work, and is just probably seeing it through on the strength of his position and authority. He could have asked the advice and opinion of people with more experience and knowledge in the field, and well, we've seen this happen too many times..