UK press photographers are largely spurning a bid by the Notting Hill Carnival to charge them £100 to cover this year’s event.
Journalists wishing to cover the event have been asked to sign up to an accreditation scheme which will give them access to press areas and to a press tower which is being installed this year.
But in exchange they must pay the fee and agree to share their work with organiser – the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust.
Foreign language journalists have been asked to provide LNHCET with a translation of their work as part of the accreditation deal.
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The accreditiation form states: “In the interests of safety of everyone involved, accredited press are asked to keep within the designated areas, behind the barriers.”
It also says: “Accreditation provides access to all areas managed by LNHCET and in no way aims to prevent the public or media from taking photos outside of these areas."
Asked by Press Gazette how many journalsts have signed up, the LNHCET said in a statement: “Please note applications for accreditaion is now close[sic]. In response to your enquiry. We have a few paid media representatives along side LNHCET'S own 2015 Media Team consisting of videographers and photographers .
“Lnhcet as last year is also live streaming the event with the support of our Media Team.”
The News Media Coalition is a group which campaigns for the rights of journalists to cover live events.
NMC executive director Andrew Moger said: “Very, very few news organisations will be taking up the paid-for accreditation. They will do their coverage from other vantage points.”
The carnival takes place from August 29 to 31 and claims to be Europe’s largest street festival.
Picture: Shutterstock.
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