InFocus | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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Keeping an eye on everything that happens behind the scenes at Abu Dhabi's first ever F1 race

End of freebie culture for journalists covering sport events?

  • Posted by M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
  • Published 14:27 October 30, 2009
  • Reader comments (0)

There was a time when visiting sports journalists had described the facilities and hospitality in the UAE while covering international events as ‘Mother of all freebies’.

But things have changed over the years and the Media Centre at the Yas Marina Circuit did catch many by surprise.

Internet connections were charged at Dh275 for the weekends while phone connections are charged. Local scribes were not spared either and the larger chunk of scribes from the region will be in for the minor shock when they come in this morning. And for the first time in my 18 years in the UAE, media persons will also have to pay for their snacks and food!

A visiting motorsport-specialised reporter remarked, ‘Maybe they should have made it free for this inaugural edition.”

However an Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management official, in private said, “Well these charges are nothing compared to what journalists have to pay at media centres in other Formula One venues around the world!’

And when Bernie Ecclestone is involved, nothing comes for free!

Tough accreditation

Among the many other firsts that the futuristic Yas Marina Circuit has unveiled, local journalists from the media outlets in the UAE and the region have also for the first time been restricted.

Gone are the days when one could find could a few unknown faces masquerading as journalists, and making it difficult for the more serious scribes to carry out their duties.

The FIA’s rules for accreditation has been so stringent that even some ‘genuine’ reporters have been unable to get accreditation- among them being the Chief Sports writer of one English daily and the Sports Editor of another English daily, both UAE-based publications!

However, the Media Centre is truly futuristic and does complement the many other facilities that have made the Yas Marina Circuit a bench mark for future sporting venues.

 

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