Andrew Moger and Nicole Courtney-Leaver of the News Media Coalition will be in the country for a limited time. An information session has been arranged and will be hosted by Print Media SA on the 3rd April 2009.

The News Media Coalition (NMC) is an international organisation focused on the specific threat to editorial operations, publishing and independent journalism from excessive controls on the flow of news to the public imposed by events entities such as sports governing bodies through accreditation contracts.

You may have heard of the work of the News Media Coalition which strives to ensure that newspaper publishers can send journalists and photographers to cover major news events, particularly sports tournaments, without unnecessary restrictions on how their content can be published.

Although based in London and Brussels, the NMC has recently taken up concerns in many countries including South Africa. The arrangements for media attendance at Cricket South Africa events were improved after the NMC became involved with key role players within the South African media industry.

But there are more challenges ahead for newspapers and news agencies alike. Cricket South Africa's decision to expect the Indian Premier League terms to govern news media access for the IPL cricket tour as well as the terms for the FIFA World 2010 which are likely to challenge the expectations of editors, especially in the digital publishing area.

Representatives of the NMC will be in South Africa and would like meet with you at a briefing taking place on 03 April 2009 (details of the briefing are attached). News Media Coalition believe that these issues are fundamental to editorial freedom and the ability of news organisations to inform society through modern means of communication such as websites and mobile phone services.

Your attendance at the briefing session would be most welcome.

03 April 2009
Advertising Standards Authority, Johannesburg
Willowview, Burnside Island Office Park
410 Jan Smuts Avenue,
Craighall Park

Cost: R 375.00

For more information, please contact: Mamosa Thulo on 011 551 9600 or Email address mamosat@printmedia.org.za.



You can also download the registration form and fax it to:

Attention: Mamosa

Fax: 086 546 3975