Holy flock, in bad news for the RWC ver 2.007

[Jethro]

Reuters have had the biggest dummy spit of all time ... they are blacklisting the Rugby World Cup.

Paris - Reuters is suspending all coverage of pre-tournament events and training sessions of the Rugby World Cup 2007, across text, pictures and TV.

In a statement Reuters said they regreted this course of action.

"However, protecting the interests and coverage rights of our global client base is of key importance to Reuters. Amid growing confusion and uncertainty over reporting terms, and the IRB's unwillingness to engage with us to resolve the dispute over accreditation terms, Reuters is unable to continue coverage as planned.

"Reuters would like to resume coverage of the Rugby World Cup, to provide the world's media with premium, timely text, photographs and TV. However, freedom of the press and our editorial integrity are at the core of our business, and these must be respected."

The IRB hit back, in between slugs of gin

Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) is extremely disappointed that a misinformation campaign is being waged against Rugby World Cup 2007. RWCL has been in dialogue with representatives of the media since last December on various aspects of the media accreditation terms and conditions and has made every effort to amend them to accommodate concerns that have been expressed.

If the IRB can put together a good package am ready to leap into the breach here with on the spot reports.

[Burgs]

The French are the masters of the last minute strike/protest/civil disruption...
It's not as if they haven't known of the realities of the licensing arrangements for months already

[shasta]

Maybe Burgs is not a nerd after all.
Maybe Burgs is not a nerd after all.

[Burgs]

Maybe Burgs' satellite connection is a pain in the arse
Maybe Burgs' satellite connection is a pain in the arse

[Burgs]

Ahhh, I see, the old "frames per minute" debate...

World Cup boycott averted

September 8, 2007 - 7:21AM

The media boycott of the Rugby World Cup was lifted today, just 90 minutes before the first match was due to kick-off, after an agreement was reached between the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the media coalition, the management of AFP announced.

The dispute over reporting restrictions, which had led to the three main news agencies - Agence France-Presse, Reuters and Associated Press - suspending coverage of the event, had become increasingly tense.

But with the minutes ticking away before the start of first game between hosts France and Argentina, both sides in the bitter dispute announced they had reached a breakthrough.

The news agencies, the World Association of Newspapers and their allies strongly opposed conditions which would allow just 50 photos to be transmitted during each match.

This was to made up of 20 photos per half and five for each half in any extra time.

At a meeting in Dublin on August 21, the IRB and international media agreed that one photo per second could be transmitted. This would allow 2,400 images per half with a maximum of 6,000 if there was extra time.

This is in line with agreements already made with the organisers of the Olympic Games and football's World Cup. But the IRB later went back on the accord.

Today, both sides reached an agreement on the thorny issue of use of pictures on the internet.

"Both sides agree that still photographs used on websites should not be presented in a way which 'emulates video','' said a joint statement.

"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 per 30 seconds. Use at other times will remain unrestricted.''

[The EnForcer]

I should imagine if the French have another defeat then Reuters will impose the ban again.

[Burgs]