NUJ offers support to The Voice as it petitions for access to London Olympics media centre
The National Union of Journalists has voiced its support for Britain’s only national newspaper aimed at a black audience, to have access to the Olympic Games.
The Voice has opened a petition, signed by over 700 people so far, to grant the newspaper’s journalists accreditation to the London Olympics after it had a request for access to the media centre turned down.
Now, the NUJ has come out to support the newspaper after its application for two passes to the track-and-field events were denied.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: “This is a disgrace. The British Olympic Association has excluded the Voice by denying Olympic press pass accreditation but surely the whole point of the event is to celebrate the achievements of all nations and people. Readers of the Voice want to support the Black British athletes taking part.
"The BOA appointed an independent media panel to decide on which organisations should get accreditation - of the 14 on that panel, 12 were men, and all were white. The BOA need to recognise they have made the wrong decision and allow the Voice accreditation.”
George Ruddock, editor and managing director of The Voice, described the decision as "a slap in the face". He said: "We are truly disappointed that The Voice, which has covered the glorious achievements of British, African and Caribbean athletes for many years, will not be inside the Olympic stadium to record more expected glory."