National Turf Writers and Broadcasters have written to the California Horse Racing Commission protesting their recently announced plan to require media members to be licensed to enter stable areas.
CHRB spokesman Mike Marten sent an email on August 8 outlining plans that would require members of the media who want backstretch access to pay $75 for a license by August 31. This policy will end the long-standing standard of monitoring media access to backstretch.
NTWAB does not believe that members of the media must be licensed by a racing board. In a letter to CHRB chief executive Scott Chaney, NTWAB president Tom Law outlined the organization’s objections.
“National Turf Writers and Broadcasters vehemently opposes the CHRB’s August 8, 2022 decision to ‘require all individuals to enter stable areas, including members of the media, a CHRB license is required,” Law said. “The NTWAB Board of Directors and its members strongly encourage the CHRB to reverse this decision and allow the news media to continue to operate independently, and upon approval from management Racecourse.”
As outlined in the CHRB release, the policy will apply to media members who regularly visit stable areas.
“Historically, all news media have been screened and approved by the publicity department of each track. Those with legitimate business operations have been given access to the zones. This will continue for those who infrequently need access to stable areas,” the CHRB said in a statement. “Those with a more frequent presence in stable areas will need to obtain a CHRB ‘Z’ (other) permit from one of the CHRB licensing offices.
“The fee for the Z license is $75, and depending on the applicant’s date of birth, the license is valid for two to three years. All applicants must be fingerprinted and subject to a money check. criminal history in California and across the country. Individuals have until August 31 to comply.”
Law’s letter describes the policy as a misreading of the CHRB’s rules.
“Professional members of news media not covered by the California Code of Regulations 2022 Rules and Regulations (Title 4, Section 4, Article 4 [Occupational Licenses]The law says: “Members of the press media are acting independently and not related to the operation of a racecourse and/or the care of racehorses.”
Law then noted First Amendment concerns regarding such a policy as it would put a state regulator in a position to penalize members of the press by denying access. backstretches.
“Members of the news media have, for decades, been given access to racetracks across the country through the publicity divisions and Turf Publicists of America to conduct business without no license and/or fee required to do their work.CHRB’s request for news media members to purchase a license sets an unnecessary and bad precedent for the industry racing industry in addition to the First Amendment effects of government licensing of the free press. The CHRB could then also discipline members of the media.”
The editors of the Associated Press Sports also sent a letter to the CHRB protesting the new policy.
“We are aware that the California Horse Racing Commission has just issued a directive that the media wants to regularly report on the troubles at your races in California, including Santa Anita . Park, Del Mar, Los Alamitosand Golden Gate Field, permission must be obtained from the CHRB, including finger print and background checks,” the letter reads. In short, in the strongest terms possible, we object to that in that it allows you to control coverage and do we pay a fee for the “privilege.” Nowhere in this directive does it even explain what violations might disqualify someone for a license or if it’s just the whim of an employee. We understand that this move was made without consulting any media team for comment. “
The letter went on to outline similar background check efforts in other sports that failed to stand up. It concluded, “We’re sure the rule is well-intended but sometimes even the most thoughtful plans have unintended consequences. We believe, and truly hope, this is the case. happen.
“So we respectfully suggest that this directive be scrapped. It has not yet become a national issue of over-regulated access and that’s how we want it to be. Our preference has always been. Solving the problem before it breaks out allows for a graceful and quiet solution by everyone.
“Please consider our request. We are always open to talk about this.”
