Herald refuses to back down after Jets bans critical reporter
Newcastle Jets banned Herald reporter James Gardiner from media briefings after he exposed the club's delayed payments.
The Newcastle Jets banned Herald chief soccer reporter James Gardiner from club media events. Gardiner wrote stories exposing late payments to several Newcastle businesses and individuals.
The Herald issued an open letter to Jets fans. The Herald said a ban on one reporter is a ban on the whole newsroom.
Gardiner has covered the A-League since the inaugural season in 2005-06. He has written thousands of Jets stories during his award-winning career.
The Jets said in August they did not want him at media events. The Herald values independent journalism.
It will not let anyone dictate what it covers or how it covers it. The paper's coverage may look different in coming weeks, but it will keep reporting on Newcastle's team.
- August, enforced on Friday
- Ban timing
- Since inaugural season 2005-06
- Gardiner's A-League coverage
Why it mattersWhen an organisation tries to punish critical reporting, it threatens public accountability. The Herald's stand protects the right of all news outlets to investigate without fear.
AustraliaThis sets a test case for press freedom in Australian sport. If clubs can ban journalists for unfavourable coverage, readers lose access to independent information about how their teams spend money and treat business partners.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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