Difficult times for journalists in London
LONDON, August 5, 2011 - "London Prepares" is the series of test competitions carried out one year prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Prepared by the Olympic organizers, the tests also include addressing the working conditions for the journalists.
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LONDON, August 5, 2011 - "London Prepares" is the series of test competitions carried out one year prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Prepared by the Olympic organizers, the tests also include addressing the working conditions for the journalists.
While Lee Valley Whitewater Stadium, the test event for canoe slalom in the north of London, passed the Olympic test, there were still considerable deficiencies in other organisational aspects.
For weeks, journalists tried to gain accreditation for this event. Just one week prior to the competition, it was announced that no media would be admitted. Yet on the morning of the qualifying events, some media were allowed in the venue. While one colleague managed to obtain an illegitimate accreditation to the semi-finals and finals, no others were allowed to enter.
Regular spectators were not admitted to the pre-Olympic events either. Some hundred or so people were chosen to attend by invitation; however, that number was nearly equal to the number of security staff in the area.
No care was given to outside visitors, who stood in 30-degree weather under the blazing sun. There were no drinks provided, no Internet access, or any start and result lists. Those who went to view water sport events, including the journalists, had to carry life jackets to the venue.
After a week of 30-degree weather and a scorching sun, it finally rained in London. Dorney Lake, the Olympic venue for rowing and flatwater canoeing, exhibited some of the worst conditions seen in the last ten years of FISA Rowing Championships. It may be because for the first time in years, the organisation of the Junior World Championship was not by FISA, but rather in the hands of "London Prepares".
As for the press centre, it was already filled to capacity on the preliminary heat days. It is yet to be seen how it will accommodate all media during the final races on the weekend. In addition, there are only two LAN cables per four work stations, and Wi-Fi is not available.
There is no shuttle from the parking lot to the press centre. Journalists had to walk the nearly two-kilometer distance, even while carrying equipment and through heavy rain. Furthermore, the press centre is in inconveniently located; from there, one can only view the last 100 metres of the course. There are no television broadcasts of the races in the press centre either, as is the norm. The island on which the press centre was located for the World Championship in 2006 is now left only for FISA.
As it stands, there are few good views of the 2012 Olympic Games.
(Source:AIPS)
