This was published 3 years ago
Media accreditation dispute threatening Commonwealth Games' coverage
Commonwealth Games chairman Peter Beattie will enter negotiations with several major media outlets to avert the potential of any of them deciding to boycott the Gold Coast's Commonwealth Games' coverage in 2018.
Fairfax Media has refused to accept proposed restrictions on access and conditions relating to the use of video that the Gold Coast organising committee has tried to impose to support broadcast rights-holder Channel Seven. It is understood News Corp and AAP are yet to sign the terms either.
Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Peter Beattie says he is determined to resolve issues regarding media coverage.Credit:Jorge Branco
Beattie committed to resolving the lingering dispute after the issue was raised at a Melbourne Press Club lunch to promote the April event.
Beattie accepted the threat of a media boycottwas genuine but said he was confident issues could be resolved before it came to that point.
"We still believe there can be some resolution of these matters," Beattie said.
"We are determined to do it because we don't want to have boycotts."
Beattie made arrangements after the event to discuss the accreditation matter further to ensure effective media coverage from a range of outlets beyond the broadcast rights-holder.
"At the end of the day we think we can reach a sensible compromise and that is what we intend to do," Beattie said.
"We want everyone there. We want to respect Seven's rights but we also want to make sure everyone is there as well. Give us a bit of time and see what we can do."
Some media outlets have expressed concern about proposed restrictions on access to athletes for interviews as well as the structure of any video reporting and the use of social media.
Among a range of conditions attached to coverage, there is understood to be a proposal to delay original reporting from media conferences for half an hour after they take place, as well as restrictions on interviews in the athletes' village, and at competition and training venues.
A Fairfax Media spokesman said: "Australians deserve unrestricted coverage of their government-funded Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. We won't be strong-armed into providing journalism that's anything less than 'Independent. Always.' and we will not agree to the terms and rules currently required for accreditation of journalists at the Games."
The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games run from April 4-15 with Beattie saying preparations remain on time and on budget.
For the first time, there will be the same number of medals awarded to both women and men while the para-sport program will be integrated into the program.
Beattie said he envisaged an inclusive Commonwealth Games, which was both competitive and fun.
"We want great competition but we also want to have a heart," Beattie said.
"We make certain this is about inclusiveness and leaves a legacy that actually improves society."