CHRB Backtracks on Paid License Requirement for Media
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One day after at least two sports media groups sent letters strongly criticizing a new California Horse Racing Board policy to license journalists who wish to regularly have access to backstretches at state tracks, the regulator rescinded the policy.
In an Aug. 10 release, the CHRB outlined a policy that largely has been in place for decades, in which racetracks control media access to backstretches through press passes.
"While the California Horse Racing Board values safety and security in the stable area, it also recognizes the importance of a free and independent press," the CHRB said in the release. "After considerable feedback, rather than requiring licenses or visitors passes... the CHRB will allow publicity departments to issue credentials for visitor access to the stable areas. The CHRB will hold the racetracks responsible for the conduct of credentialed media they authorize.
"Publicity departments have agreed to provide the names of those individuals. The CHRB has made it clear that the lists will not be submitted for CHRB approval. The information will be used solely for the purpose of understanding who the tracks have authorized to be in the restricted area."
The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters and the Associated Press Sports Editors both sent letters protesting the initial policy change announced Aug. 8. It would have required affected media members to go through a licensing process that includes fingerprinting and background checks and pay a $75 fee by Aug. 31.