The undersigned media organisations have observed with concern that restrictions are increasingly being imposed on the media's coverage of cultural and sporting events. This applies in particular to the working conditions of press photographers. It is clearly in conflict with recognised principles for free news reporting when artists and organisers impose conditions on what text and images can be included in news reports and on how this can subsequently be used in the media. The basis must always be that media reporters who can identify themselves with a valid press card may unconditionally carry out the mission they have been assigned by their editorial management in covering events open to the general public.

The media organisations appreciate that there is, during major events, a practical need for regulations, among other things out of concern for the safety of artists and the public. The organiser should try to have these resolved in advance - ideally, in collaboration with the media organisations.

We also appreciate that artists and others seek to protect themselves from improper commercial exploitation of their performances and photographs of themselves. In our opinion, in Norway, the risk of this type of exploitation is effectively non-existent, with the ethics and the traditions under which the Norwegian media operates in this area, and with the legislation which acts as a guarantor against commercial exploitation of personal photographs (see for example, Section 45c of the Copyright Act). Regardless, the potential for such exploitation cannot justify an attack on recognised principles for free news reporting through quasi-censorship measures.

Oslo 2007-03-13

Norwegian Press Association (Norsk Presseforbund)
Norwegian Union of Journalists (Norsk Journalistlag)
Association of Norwegian Editors (Norsk Redaktørforening)
Norwegian Pressphotographers Association (Pressefotografenes Klubb)
Norwegian Media Business Association (Mediebedriftenes Landsforening)
The Norwegian Association of Local Newspapers (Landslaget for Lokalaviser)
The Norwegian Specialized Press Association (Den Norske Fagpresses Forening)
Norwegian Public Press Association (Magasin- og ukepresseforeningen)