Cricket Australia has increased limitations on what can be published in print, online and in the mobile phone market and media companies, including News International and the major international news wires say the terms are unacceptable.
"The accreditation terms imposed by CA are making it impossible for news agencies to achieve the impartial and independent coverage that is our mission," said Pierre Louette, chairman of Agence France-Presse. The groups say they will not cover the forthcoming test and one-day international series if talks fail to reach a compromise agreement.
Cricket Australia said it is looking to ensure that if other businesses are profiting from its sport, that some of that profit is redirected to the grass roots. Traditionally sports bodies have allowed the media liberal access to their rights, in return for exposure. But now organisations like Cricket Australia are taking a harder stance, saying that this liberal access limits their ability to charge for exclusive rights.
