AFL sets new guidelines for media to ensure coverage continues
The AFL media world is set for a massive change. But the league wants to make sure fans still get to see their favourite players. This is how they will do it.
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The AFL has taken steps to ensure media will continue to have access to players and coaches to ensure fans remain connected to their clubs this season.
The league is set to release an updated policy including new protocols to ensure clubs have a strong line of communication to their fans while protecting the players from the spread of the virus.
The likely prospect that games will be played in front of empty stands has forced the league to act on the new recommendations to ensure supporters continue to see and hear from the game’s stars in the media.
As part of the new policy, it is recommended that three players and the senior coach will be put up for interview from two sides after each game.
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The press conference will be held in a controlled manner where the players and coaches will be sat behind a desk to maintain space between them and reporters.
The weekly senior coach press conference will also continue, albeit also in a room behind a desk. The league has advised against holding stand-up press conferences where reporters huddle around the player or coach being questioned.
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Only the host television broadcast staff will be allowed into the change rooms, meaning newspaper and radio reporters will be banned from the inner sanctum.
Door-stop interviews, where reporters approach players and club staff unannounced, will be strictly prohibited for the players’ wellbeing.
There will also be no more press conferences or interviews at the airport.
Newspaper and radio interviews will be conducted either over the phone, or in a clean studio.
The AFL is desperate to protect the game’s stars from the coronavirus to help keep the game alive.
The guidelines are expected to be released later today.
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Originally published as AFL sets new guidelines for media to ensure coverage continues