Reuters suspends Aussie cricket coverage
Reuters has suspended its coverage of Cricket Australia's events in Australia with immediate effect, it announced today, Tuesday, 6 November 2007. “Reuters has been unable to agree on acceptable accreditation terms with Cricket Australia and is consequently unable to gain access for its journalists and photographers,” said Monique Villa, MD of Reuters Media
Starting with the first test between Sri Lanka and Australia in Brisbane which opens on Thursday 8 November, Reuters will not be covering matches, press conferences nor other activities hosted by Cricket Australia across text, pictures and TV.
Stated Villa, “Reuters regrets this course of action. However, press freedom and protecting the news interests and coverage rights of our global clients is of key importance to Reuters.
“Reuters will continue discussions with Cricket Australia in the hope of reaching a resolution as a part of the News Media Coalition. Reuters would like to be able to provide news coverage of events hosted by Cricket Australia for the world's media with premium, timely text, photographs and audiovisual content. However, freedom of the press and our editorial integrity are at the core of our business and these must be respected."
