The IOC will issue credentials to Internet-based journalists for the '02 Winter Games, according to USA TODAY's Chris Jenkins, who reported that after "shutting Internet-based journalists out of Atlanta, Nagano and Sydney," the IOC will "evaluate every site that applies for media credentials" and reject sites that do not "reach a broad enough audience or produce original content." SportsLine.com CEO Mike Levy said of the policy, "I think the way they're going to go about it is the right way." Jenkins notes that a "confusing provision" of the IOC's new policy requires sites to be "fully independent from traditional media organizations." ESPN.com Exec Editor John Marvel said, "Frankly, I don't know how that is going to affect us. We are an independent entity of ESPN, owned by Disney Internet Group, and we'll apply (for media credentials) as [ESPN.com]" (USA TODAY, 12/28). To be eligible for media accreditation for the Salt Lake Games, a Internet organization must not only be independent from traditional media organizations already accredited at the Games, but also must have an "established track record of developing original sports-related content" and employ "some full-time journalists" (REUTERS, 12/27).
TRADEMARK BATTLE: In Salt Lake City, Linda Fantin reported that the SLOC and USOC are suing the creator of slc2002.com, Christine Wallace, for "deceiving consumers and `causing irreparable harm' to SLOC and the USOC." The Web site features Winter Games trivia and provides help for finding housing during the Games. However, the site contains links to online gambling sites, including MVP Sportsbook, a site that features "half-naked women." Wallace said, "We're happy that they're suing us. This generates publicity and publicity gets traffic to the Web site and that's what sells advertising." Wallace also said that her Australian partners who designed the site, and a similar site, sydney2000.com, "assured her there is nothing to fear" because they "successfully fended off similar cybersquatting charges" (SLAT LAKE TRIBUNE, 12/29).
