NHL accused of using COVID to keep away independent reporters

In these days of a pandemic, it seems obvious that things wouldn't function entirely the same way that they once did. Many are taking precautions they never did before, not just to ensure that they and their loved ones don't become infected, but it order to flatten the curve for everyone. That said, the NHL is being accused of using this as an excuse to keep all media out of the bubbles being set up in Edmonton and Toronto - all media except their own, that is.

"The league will not allow any media to take in any practices or morning skates once the 24 teams enter the hub on Sunday," wrote Kevin McGran in an editorial for the Toronto Star. "The NHL will not allow any media – but their own! -- inside any of the hubs. Three writers from NHL.com and one social media member per team are “required” in the hub. In other words, league or team employees.

"That means any news, reports, feeds, pictures, stories from Hotel X or the Fairmont Royal York or behind the scenes at the Scotiabank Arena will be sanitized, NHL- or team-approved versions. So, not real news."

McGran's editorial has been retweeted by several other journalists who would usually cover practices and games. It notes that newspaper photographers will also not be allowed.

"Interviews will be via Zoom. No one-on-ones. No colour from inside the room. No idea really what's happening behind the scenes which, in a pandemic, is a VERY IMPORTANT part of the story," continued McGran. Given that the government is granting a quarantining exemption to 1,200 people or so, wouldn't you want a watchdog of some sort in there?"

"I know many of you mostly only care about the results, the wins and losses. You will be well served. But remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime news event, and there will be no transparency."

"The league's view is that it is keeping the numbers low to prevent the spread of the virus. Fine. Sort of. But in ongoing talks with the Professional Hockey Writers' Association (and NHL Players' Association) they assured us no media was going in. Then they flipped at the last second to add their own media."

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