Ogden column: State coverage should be fair across all media

A wise editor once told me readers don't care about the issues we face covering events or writing our stories. They just want results.

It is great advice, but issues with this weekend's state track and field meet need to be addressed.

Our readers at www.thegazette.com will notice a big difference between our coverage of the girls' state track and field meet and the boys' competition.

Because the Iowa High School Athletic Association sold the video rights to its state championships to Iowa High School Sports Network, newspapers and radio stations are not allowed to shoot video. Television stations across the state are allowed to shoot video and use it on their websites.

What this means is a TV station's web coverage can include stories, photos, results and video - what we call a complete package for an important event. Newspaper and radio websites can include stories, photos and results.

This was an unfair - and bad - decision. All of the state's media should have the same access to the same material so we all can provide our readership/viewership with a complete package of coverage. There are no such rules, thankfully, for coverage from the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

We are not competition for IHSSN. We don't want to stream events live. But video is becoming a vital part of online coverage for newspapers like The Gazette. It enhances the words and photos we provide, giving our coverage more depth, and can be used in later profiles on these athletes, capturing these special moments.

The IHSAA claims its hands are tied because of its agreement with IHSSN. The IHSAA should have a say in this decision.

What's next? Telling mom and dad they can't shoot video and post it on Facebook?

Rest assured, the coverage Jeff Linder, Dylan Montz, Liz Martin and Nathan Ford will provide this weekend will be outstanding. Our newspaper readers will get the same excellent coverage they have received in the past. Our online readers, however, will see lopsided coverage with video action from girls' events only.

It's unfair, not only to us but to the boys competing this weekend inside Drake Stadium. That's the real shame in this because high school state championships are supposed to be about the athletes.

If you agree, please contact Ken Krogman at the IHSSN at ken@ihssn.com

l Comments: (319) 368-8696; jr.ogden@thegazette.com