Commonwealth Games chief admits News Access Rules need rethink

The Commonwealth Games Federation has ruled out relaxing rules around the online use of pictures and video.

David Grevemberg, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

The chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation has steadfastly ruled out relaxing tough rules around the online use of pictures and video at Gold Coast 2018 after News Corp and Fairfax refused to sign the terms amid a rights dispute.

But London-based David Grevemberg has admitted his ­organisation should reconsider whether the so-called News ­Access Rules are fit-for-purpose at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as the organisation prepares to auction the rights early next year.

“We will continue to evolve this process, particularly after ­receiving some critical feedback. I am not going to be belligerent enough to say that ‘we are not going to change’,” Mr Grevemberg told Media yesterday.

Mr Grevemberg has vowed to consult with media organisations after The Australian reported last week that Fairfax Media has joined News Corp in deciding against having journalists accredited to cover Gold Coast 2018.

“What we need to do is look at the media market and see what evolution is possible and how consumers are using platforms differently,” he said.

“There’s obviously been a huge move from printed press to online press, with more multimedia content. Looking at those provisions, are there variances in rate cards and so forth that can be applied that benefit the protected rights holder but also provide ­access to other news media? There are a number of things we need to look at.”

However, Mr Grevemberg will not budge over the Gold Coast 2018 deal even though News and Fairfax have reluctantly made the decision to deny their journalists and photographers accredited ­access at the event, which runs from April 4 to 15.

Campbell Reid, director of Corporate Affairs and Editorial Management, News Corp Australia, last night insisted the “cycle must be broken and remade” after News Corp initially expressed concerns about the NARs at Glasgow 2014, and again in September 2016.

“That must start now for the future of news coverage of the Commonwealth Games, the host cities, the athletes and sports, and the sponsors,” Mr Reid said.

“Our fear is that yet again the broadcast deal and NARs will be negotiated for the next Commonwealth Games and then presented to news organisations as a done deal and it’s take it or leave it.”

NARs require outlets to adhere to holdbacks, take-downs and specified time limits on video used for written news articles.

News and Fairfax editors point out that the rules were not only devised before online video became popular, but they also undermine a free press by placing limitations on what journalists and photographers can report.

Ben English, editor of the Gold Coast Bulletin, said the publishers’ refusal to sign the NARs actually “liberates” outlets in terms of what journalists and photographers tell the audience.

“We will be freed up from any constraints on trade beyond common law requirements, so fair use applies,” he said. “There is no advantage in signing up under the current conditions. Our coverage will be better as a result of this.

“While our journalists will not be going to the press conferences, which we can see on the TV anyway, we will be developing stronger relationships with the key athletes and teams, ensuring we deliver more in-depth coverage for our readers.”

Citing an “obligation” to protect the estimated $40 million agreement struck with Seven Network in 2014 as the exclusive rights holder, Mr Grevemberg said: “We are disappointed with decisions by News and Fairfax.

“For these Games, we are ­pretty resolute that we need to protect the commercial aspects because fundamentally their ­current scope and scale underwrites a significant amount of the budget. Our biggest challenge as a federation is to maximise the value proposition and ensure the Games are sustainable and ­responsible in the best manner possible.”

Australian Associated Press CEO Bruce Davidson is continuing to hold negotiations with ­organisers about restrictions placed on audio-visual material.