Media Outlets Threaten India-England Cricket Series After BCCI Bans Photo Agencies

Major int'l news agencies are "likely to suspend coverage" of the India-England series after the Board Of Control For Cricket In India "barred photo agencies from covering the series," according to REUTERS. The News Media Coalition, which champions freedom of the media, has "urged the BCCI to lift the restrictions" on the local and int'l picture agencies. In a statement, NMC Exec Dir Andrew Moger said, "In our view, the BCCI's move will hit fans and cricket sponsors alike. The BCCI has offered to make its own photographs available, but this is no substitute for independent and objective press photography." NMC members include Reuters, AFP, AP, Getty Images and the PA. Most of them have announced they would "suspend text and photo coverage if the restrictions are not lifted." The series begins in Ahmedabad, India Thursday (REUTERS, 11/14).