[Nanog-futures] Media at NANOG conferences

[Philip Smith]

Hi everyone,

 From time to time, Merit receives requests from members of the media to 
be granted complimentary access to NANOG in exchange for the privilege 
of covering the event. As some of you may know, the media quite often 
receives complimentary access to conferences like ours so that 
highlights of the proceedings are reported, the event gets greater 
publicity, and so on.

Up to now the media has been refused complimentary access, but of course 
invited to participate in NANOG like every other paying participant. The 
SC discussed this situation following NANOG 42 in San Jose (local IT 
press had requested complimentary pass), and it is facing us again for 
the upcoming NANOG 44 in LA.

We'd like to hear the community's opinion on this. We've drafted a 
"Media Policy" based on what other events like ours do; see the 
attachment below... Any opinions? Constructive suggestions?

Thanks!

philip
(for the SC)

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NANOG Media Proposal
--------------------

Members of the media who wish to receive complimentary attendance to
NANOG require prior approval from the NANOG Steering Committee.
This approval process will be led by the Chair of the Steering
Committee and Merit's representative on the Steering Committee, who
will vet the publication or organisation as to whether it is valid
(i.e.  has something to do with the Internet, Network, Technology, IT
etc) and can meet the general aims of the NANOG Conference
(appropriate PR, publicity, etc).  The NANOG Steering Committee will
also work with the publication or organisation on a future article
about the conference.

As part of the approval process, the NANOG Steering Committee will
provide direction to the media as to who and what they can photograph.
Taking photographs without the express prior consent from those being
photographed is not permitted.

Once the media request has been approved, their attendance at NANOG
will be by complimentary registration and they will receive a special
badge with "MEDIA" written in large letters which they should please
wear when in circumstances where their role is not otherwise obviously
known.  They will be appointed a guide by the NANOG Steering
Committee.  This guide will help ensure that their experience at NANOG
is effective and beneficial to both NANOG and the organisation or
publication represented.

--end--