The Associated Press Sports Editors, The Associated Press and the Professional Hockey Writers Association vehemently object to an unfair and restrictive NHL policy that provides exclusive, unfettered access to three league-employed journalists while excluding independent media from players and staff inside the two “bubble” cities, Edmonton and Toronto.
This restrictive access policy by the NHL — that allows its writers “bubble” access — was never discussed with writers or editors in advance. It denies the media who regularly cover the league the ability to fairly and completely report in the fashion our audience has come to expect with the access we have worked decades to achieve.
We urge the NHL and its leadership to reconsider this policy and look at what other professional leagues, such as the NBA, are doing to ensure that independent media is represented within the “bubbles.” APSE and AP agree with the PHWA that allowing three independent media writers access within the bubble, the same number afforded league-employed writers, would be an equitable solution.
We look forward to a just resolution to this access issue that is at the core of what we as a free press are about.
Sincerely,
Lisa Wilson
President
Associated Press Sports Editors
Gerry Ahern
Legal and Ethics Chairman
Associated Press Sports Editors
Michael Giarrusso
Global Sports Editor
Associated Press
Frank Seravalli
President
Pro Hockey Writers Association
