Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Washington
Equal Access For Internet Media
I write for an internet site covering high school and college baskteball. Recently I was denied media access to several league and state tournaments. My media pass was accepted all year until these two latest incidents. I requested the state geverning body to be placed on the media pass list and was denied. They specifically stated that no media passes would be authorized for internet services. In the first incident, I was admitted to a league tournament. A short time later I was approached and told to leave as the only approved media were several local newspapers.
In the instance involving the state governing body, I did, in fact, gain entry to the event, as the arena staff people were not too particular in whom they admitted. Once inside, the state governing body had a representative have media members sign a roster. I was not turned away, as again, this person did not seem too concerned.
What is the law concerning equal access for media members, and specifically internet media? Do I have grounds to pursue this as a discrimination case?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Equal Access For Internet Media
In Missouri or Illinois you would not have a cause of action for discrimination. I doubt you would in Washington either. The problem I see with your case is that internet news media is probably not a recognized protected class against which discrimination is prohibited. More effective than a lawsuit is likely to be publishing the truth and alluding to the supposition that they must have something to hide or are not attune to modern times. Perhaps writing to the league's general counsel would help you.
Bruce Burdick
Herzog, Crebs & McGhee, LLP
One City Centre - 24th Floor
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