EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was posted August 10. It was updated August 11 with information about the contribution of APSE.

After the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters and the Associated Press Sports Editors took issue with a recent California Horse Racing Board announcement it would require media members to obtain licenses for restricted access areas at California racetracks, CHRB withdrew the decision on August 10.

On August 9, NTWAB president Tom Law notified CHRB via email of NTWAB's vehement objection to the licensing requirement, citing concerns about constitutional issues, the lack of a statutory basis for the plan, and the traditional role track publicity departments play in issuing media credentials.

"I want to thank our colleagues in and out of the racing media world for their efforts over the last week," said Law. "We also appreciate the CHRB giving consideration to the concerns of our members and the media in making their decision to not go ahead with a plan to require members of the media to obtain a license. We look forward to covering California racing as we have for decades and working with the tracks and regulators on a professional level going forward."

A letter to CHRB executive director Scott Chaney jointly signed on August 9 by Associated Press Sports Editors president Jorge Rojas and legal affairs committee ch-chairs Gerry Ahern and John Cherwa urged CHRB to reverse course.

"In short, in the strongest possible terms, we object (to licensing) in that it allows you the ability to control the coverage and make us pay a fee for the 'privilege.' Nowhere in the directive does it even explain what offenses might disqualify someone from getting a license or if it is just the whim of a staffer," APSE related. "It’s our understanding this move was made without consulting any media groups for input. We have had similar attempts for background check requirements from everyone from the NFL to the NBA to NASCAR to the United States Olympic Committee. In every case we have prevailed. It is up to us to determine the quality and honesty of our employees, not you."

CHRB spokesperson Mike Marten issued a formal release declaring an end to the licensing dispute.

"While the California Horse Racing Board values safety and security in the stable area, it also recognizes the importance of a free and independent press. After considerable feedback, rather than requiring licenses or visitors passes for stable area media access, the CHRB will allow publicity departments to issue credentials for visitor access to the stable areas," Marten said. "The CHRB will hold the racetracks responsible for the conduct of credentialed media they authorize for stable area access."

Despite the concession, Marten said CHRB will monitor who is granted media access by racetracks.

"The CHRB needs to know who has been authorized by racetracks to enter stable areas, so publicity departments have agreed to provide the names of those individuals. The CHRB has made it clear that the lists will not be submitted for CHRB approval. The information will be used solely for the purpose of understanding who the tracks have authorized to be in the restricted area," Marten said.