RWC fights misinformation
2007-09-04 21:58
Johannesburg - Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) is extremely disappointed that a misinformation campaign is being waged against the Rugby World Cup.
In a statement released on Tuesday the RWCL said it 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, which have been expressed.
Despite this there are unscrupulous parties raising new issues in the media, which have not, at any time, been discussed with RWCL and who are making completely false claims about the media accreditation programme for Rugby World Cup 2007.
To set the record straight, RWCL would note the following:
* At no time has RWCL insisted that photographers will only gain accreditation for matches if they waive picture credit rights in favour of RWCL. RWCL has never asked photographers to waive picture credits. All pictures taken by photographers will carry the photographer or agency name.
RWCL has:
* Withdrawn the condition that requested media organisations get permission from RWCL before sales of photographs could be made to the public.
* Withdrawn the condition that requested RWCL would have the right to use any photograph taken at the tournament for non-commercial, promotional purposes.
* Withdrawn the condition that did not allow overlay of text on photographs.
* Re-written the process by which breaches of the terms and conditions and tournament media rules are dealt with.
* Confirmed that mobile users can access text and photos on websites using their handsets and that sports text alerts can be sent to the handsets during matches.
* Increased by 400% the amount of photographs that can be published live during a match on websites. Media organisations can now publish 40 photographs per match. There is unlimited use of photographs before and after matches. This does not affect the amount of photographs a photographic agency can send to its client. The 40 photographs per match (plus extra for any extra-time period) only applies to public facing websites.
* Clarified that nothing in the Terms and Conditions can be interpreted as restricting or preventing normal journalistic activities including expressions of comment.
Moreover, RWCL:
* Is allowing the publication of 3 minutes of footage from official venues on non match days (such as training shots, interviews at media conferences, etc) on websites. Previously this material from official venues was prohibited. RWCL has also confirmed that the copyright of this footage rests with the media organisation generating the material.
* Has agreed to enter into dialogue with media organisations on media accreditation terms and conditions for future tournaments.
In general, RWCL cannot alter certain terms and conditions, which will adversely affect the delivery of the tournament and its commercial programme. The IRB, owner of the Rugby World Cup tournament, is a non profit making organisation and this programme provides the essential revenue that the IRB reinvests in the Game. At present the IRB is investing over 30 million euro a year in development across its 115 member unions.
RWCL, the IRB and the France 2007 Organising Committee are appalled that the misinformation campaign has tried to include government and sponsors without telling them the full story including details of the amendments RWCL has already made to the terms and conditions. RWCL has the full support of the FFR, tournament sponsors and rights holding broadcaster on its stance and they have recognised the concessions RWCL has made.
The tournament kicks off on Friday September 7 and over 2 million tickets have been sold and the estimated worldwide audience on television is over 4 billion thanks to the investment of the rights holding broadcasters and sponsors.
- SAPA