Global media shuts out Sydney Test

The world8217;s top three global news agencies 8212; Agence France Presse, Reuters and Associated Press 8212; and News Limited have suspended all coverage of the 2007-08 season unless a deal can be agreed.

As play in the Test began at 10am local time, international news agency and News Limited photographers and reporters were locked outside the ground without accreditations.

The dispute centres on unprecedented demands being made by CA, according to the media organisations at the centre of the dispute, including one that they hand over rights to all photos taken at matches.

The blackout of photos, news reports, graphics and video means international cricket fans hoping to follow the Test will not be able to see photos of their favourite teams or read about their progress.

8220;It is most regrettable that we are unable to provide our usual comprehensive coverage of cricket due to CA8217;s refusal to extend reasonable accreditation terms to international agencies,8221; said AFP chairman Pierre Louette.

8220;It is especially unfortunate that fans around the world, in this case in Sri Lanka, are being deprived of their right to see images of their sport and read reports about such a major international event,8221; Louette said.

Australia8217;s Communications Minister Helen Coonan said that while she was unaware of the details of the negotiations, it would be wrong for fans to suffer.

8220;It8217;s not Australian, and it8217;s not cricket,8221; a spokesman for the minister told The Australian newspaper, owned by News Limited, which was still negotiating with CA after play got underway today.