Fiji Sports Council Gilbert Vakalalabure has clarified that journalists are not barred from covering events at council-managed venues, contradicting media reports suggesting a ban.
His response follows an incident on Saturday morning when a reporter from FBC was turned away while attempting to cover an NFL Flag Clinic held at Bidesi Park after earlier being at HFC Bank Stadium.
Security personnel and council staff reportedly informed the journalist that media were no longer permitted to cover competitions or events staged at council facilities.
However, Vakalalabure said there was no media ban in place and explained that the issue related to accreditation procedures.
“No, I didn’t ban it. That is to be honest,” he said.
He said media personnel are required to report to the office and obtain a pass before entering venues, particularly when children are involved in activities.
“They were supposed to go to the office, get a pass, and then enter.
“There are children that are playing there. I was here(Lawaqa Park) the whole of two days Friday and Saturday. They didn’t call me, they didn’t ask me,” he added.
Vakalalabure said the requirement applies to anyone entering controlled or private areas within council facilities.
“You cannot walk into a private area and then just walk in here,” he added.
The reporter involved said security did not ask for a pass and instead instructed them to leave ground, stating that media were no longer permitted to cover competitions or events at council-managed venues.
The differing accounts have highlighted uncertainty over how media access procedures are communicated and enforced at council venues.
