APME Seeks Survey Input on College Sports Credential Battle

Posted
By: Joe Strupp Associated Press Managing Editors, one of several journalism groups that have been fighting recent tighter restrictions on college football media credentials, is asking news outlets to participate in a survey on the issue.

In a letter to its members today, APME asks that they take part in an online survey about how much tighter restrictions have been this football season and what it has meant to their newsrooms.

"We sense that we in the media are fighting this fight at all levels with more regularity, but we don't know for sure," the letter stated, in part. "We're hoping that by taking a few minutes to fill out a short online survey, you can help us determine how big and how widespread such conflicts have become. And we expect that we can all learn from those of you who have successfully challenged proposed restrictions.'

The survey follows recent efforts by both the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference to tighten control over use of online video and audio by news outlets, blogging, and even licensing of images. While the SEC revised most of its controversial changes, the Big Ten has yet to act.

The survey can be found here. Members are asked to fill it out before Sept. 21.

The entire APME letter is below:


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The media rose up in protest last month when the Southeastern
Conference proposed severe restrictions on those who cover its athletic events. The protest worked, and the conference backed away from major changes in its credentialing proposal. Similar concerns were raised with the Big Ten conference.

We sense that we in the media are fighting this fight at all levels
with more regularity, but we don't know for sure. We're hoping that by taking a few minutes to fill out a short online survey, you can help us determine how big and how widespread such conflicts have become. And we expect that we can all learn from those of you who have successfully challenged proposed restrictions.

The survey gives respondents the option of identifying themselves and
their publications or choosing anonymity. Questions at the end of the
survey cover the choices. Results will be posted at www.apme.com and may be used in an Associated Press story. The deadline to respond is Monday (Sept. 21.) If you'd prefer that your sports editor handle the survey, forward this note to them.


Thanks in advance for taking time to provide your valuable input.

Alan D. Miller
APME Sounding Board Co-Chair
Managing Editor/News
The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch

Bobbie Jo Buel
APME President
Executive Editor
Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Ariz.

Otis L. Sanford
APME Vice President
Editor/Opinion and Editorials
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.

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