AFP client advisory - Australia cricket

SYDNEY — We regret to inform subscribers that AFP is unable to provide coverage of the 2009-10 Australian cricket season, including the Test series against the West Indies starting on Thursday, because we have not been able to reach agreement with Cricket Australia (CA) on acceptable terms of accreditation.

CA has declined to amend certain terms that international news agencies believe impose unreasonable restrictions on news reporting and distribution. This refusal comes despite an Australian Senate Inquiry's warning in May that there are real concerns, which affect matters of public interest and media freedom, arising from recent innovations in accreditation practices by some sports.

AFP hopes Cricket Australia will review its decision and remains ready to resume discussions with CA at any time. AFP is disappointed not to be able to cover Australian cricket for the second year running, but we cannot sacrifice editorial integrity and principles of press freedom. We will keep clients advised of developments.

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