PSA pens new policy to quell attempts at censorship
The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) has moved to protect its members from what it calls censorship disguised as revoked access, adopting new measures after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) briefly barred Spin.ph from coverage in the recent FIVB World Men’s Championship.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PSA said any official or organization that withholds or forfeits a member’s credentials without due process and prior notice will now be declared persona non grata.
The group stressed that media accreditation must never be used as retaliation for critical reporting. “Censorship does not always arrive as a law or an organizational rule. Sometimes it comes as a locked gate, a revoked pass or an admonished question,” the PSA said.
To ensure the rule is not misused, the PSA said it will police its ranks and give continuing guidance on fair and impartial reporting. It will also create a committee to mediate disputes between journalists and sports officials when accreditation is in question.
“These measures affirm our singular conviction: The PSA cannot, and will not, accept being silenced, not even temporarily,” the group said, adding that freedom of the press is a constitutional guarantee no sports body can undermine.
The PSA issued the policy after Spin.ph’s credentials were revoked by PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara on Sept. 23 before being later restored. The association said the incident, while resolved, left a “chilling effect” that must not be repeated.
