News

Agreement reached with IRB

The following joint statement is issued on behalf of Rugby World Cup Ltd and the News Media Coalition.

Following talks between representatives of news media organisations and Rugby World Cup Ltd today (September 7), both sides agreed the following commitments:

*Both sides agree that still photographs used on websites should not be presented in a way which “emulates video”. For the Rugby World Cup 2007 only, news and sports websites will be allowed to use a maximum number of stills during games of 200 (including extra time). The stills will not be used at a frequency of greater than one still per 30 second. Use at other times will remain unrestricted.

*On September 10, RWCL will meet in Paris with key news media organisations including agencies, to discuss ways of identifying improved opportunities at the Rugby World Cup 2007 in the creation and publication of audio-visual from non-match day non-action events on the basis that material can be used beyond the existing 3-minute limit per day.

*Immediately after the event (as soon as practicable), a first meeting will take place to begin to address the wider issues that have divided the two sides including the recognised need to canvas opinions of a wider cross-section of news media sectors.

*This agreement will supplement the existing Terms and Conditions and News Access Regulations and supersede any terms contained in such Terms and Conditions and News Access Regulations in contradiction with the present commitments. Both parties will make all reasonable efforts to facilitate coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007.

Read Keir Radnedge on the discussions here

More on this story:
Five agencies suspend Rugby World Cup coverage
IRB dares media to boycott Rugby World Cup
AFP threatens to pull Rugby World Cup coverage
Roy Greenslade’s media commentary
Rugby organisers promise to review ticket allocations
European Federation of Journalists condemn IRB over photography plans


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