Fed: WTO may decide Games agency coverage: Vaile

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2000
Fed: WTO may decide Games agency coverage: Vaile

Trade Minister MARK VAILE says the World Trade Organisation may have to make the final
decision on foreign television access to the Sydney Olympic Games.

Mr VAILE says there is conflicting advice whether the restrictions, which will affect
agencies such as Reuters, imposed by SOCOG, are illegal under WTO rules.

He says the ultimate answer to the issue rests with the International Olympic Committee,
but the WTO may have to play a role.

However, he says a panel could take months to set up and hear the complaint, long after
the Games are finished.

The Australian Olympic Coordination Authority has said that only Australian media and
US broadcaster NBC will have guaranteed access to Sydney's Olympic Park where most events
will take place.

About 150 other foreign media organisations will compete in a daily ballot for eight
passes to the Olympic Park to talk to spectators and cover news events surrounding the
Olympics.

Many overseas agencies have complained to their home governments about the arrangement.

AAP RTV sw/wz

KEYWORD: OLY MEDIA (CANBERRA)

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