Australia's two main news organizations, News Corp. and Fairfax Media, have "withdrawn from officially covering" the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup in England and Wales after organizers "insisted on draconian restrictions which would have impeded independent journalism," according to Jacquelin Magnay of THE AUSTRALIAN. World Rugby has "demanded strict control of broadcasting interviews and news beyond existing Australian law, in return for providing journalists and photographers with access to games, training grounds and official team hotels" at the tournament, which starts Sept. 18. World Rugby's "refusal to lift restrictions means that many rugby writers and photographers from Australia will not officially attend World Cup games." News Corp. Editorial Dir Campbell Reid said, "You can’t agree to have the Rugby World Cup lanyard around your neck and then surrender your rights and obligations as a reporter and photographer." Some British news organizations were also "concerned about the degree of control exerted by World Rugby, but it's understood they have agreed to the accreditation conditions in order to cover a 'home' tournament." Behind the scenes, there is "frustration that British and World Rugby officials do not understand the struggle" Australian Rugby Union has for publicity in the country's "crowded football code market" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 6/22).
