Posted at 9:59 a.m., Friday, February 24, 2006
LPGA, media dispute over
Advertiser Staff
In a joint statement released today, the LPGA and The Associated Press said they have resolved their dispute arising from new media credential regulations, allowing AP and other media outlets to resume normal coverage of the LPGA's Fields Open in Ko Olina.AP was denied credentials on Wednesday and The Honolulu Advertiser's credentials were revoked yesterday after its reporter and photographer refused to sign an agreement giving the LPGA control over the media outlets' stories and images.
The LPGA said today that the following language applies to its events and will be included in future editions of its credential regulations:
"Notwithstanding any other provisions of the LPGA Photographer and Journalist Media Credential Regulations, media outlets may make unrestricted editorial use of any images or articles they create pursuant to their access to any LPGA event."
The statement said the "LPGA has always intended for its credentials to provide media companies with the same rights to use news and information obtained at LPGA events that are available from other mainstream sports leagues and governing bodies. AP is satisfied with assurances from the LPGA that its regulations were never intended to and don't limit access or editorial use of information and photos obtained at their events."
The first-round of the inaugural event was held yesterday. AP and The Advertiser did not provide its normal full coverage of the event, which features Honolulu star golfer Michelle Wie.
