In 2004 the Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive (AIPS) celebrates
its 80th year of existence. Throughout these years, while the ideals transmitted
by founder Frantz Reichel remained the same, the ever-growing media development
has contributed to give a different dimension to the world sport media
governing body. AIPS has ever since kept pace with the development of
sport media and the Olympic Movement alike.
AIPS does not only embraces the registered AIPS Card Holders coming from
143 affiliated countries but all professional sport media. The revised
Statutes state the principal objectives including autonomy and independence
as well as :
‘ to develop the sports spirit and solidarity among sports journalists
throughout the world and to spread the ideals of fair-play in sports …….’
With the constant support of the International Olympic Committee and
leading international sports federation during the last decade AIPS went
through various projects and services to the benefit of the international
sport media both at specialization level as well as at regional and continental
level.
The AIPS developed its Seminars Programme set-up with the co-operation
of its continental sections:
- U J S A : Union des Journalistes Sportifs Africans
- Africa
- F E P E D A : Federacion de Periodistas Deportivos
de America – America
- A S P U : Asian Sports Press Union – Asia
- U E P S : Union Europeenne de La Presse Sportive
With the part of the funds allocated various Seminars and Media Development
Courses and Lectures are organized in these continents, most of which
at national level with the full co-operation of the relative National
Olympic Com-mittees.
AIPS Specialist Commissions
Definitely, one of the most important sectors in the AIPS set-up are the
Spe-cialist Commissions. These Commissions functioning in conformity with
separate Bye-Laws in the AIPS set up are formed by journalists who spe-cialize
in that particular sport discipline.
The work of these commissions is done in full co-operation with the respective
international sports federations. Evaluation of the media working conditions
is assessed by these Commissions which are elected either at the Olympic
Games or during world championships.
Todate, AIPS Specialist Commissions cater for the following disciplines
:
Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Boxing
Fencing
Field Hockey
Figure Skating
Football
Handball
|
Ice Hockey
Judo
Modern Pentathlon
Nordic Skiing & Biathlon
Photography
Shooting
Speed Skating
Swimming
Table Tennis
Volleyball
Weightlifting
|
Wrestling
Sport for Disabled
Fair Play |
AIPS presence during Olympic Games
Since 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, AIPS has been regularly present both
at the Winter and Summer Olympic Games by operating its Media Office from
the Main Press Centre.
The AIPS Media Office works in full co-operation both with the venue management
of the particular event as well as with the IOC Media Office.
A direct contact of the AIPS with affiliated members, national associations,
national Olympic Committees and International Federations is kept periodically
through AIPS News – a 24 page publication which is published every
3 months and which covers also the forthcoming activities both of the
International Olympic Committee and leading international Federations.
The information technology development gave way also to AIPS to have its
own official web-site with links with the IOC site, Olympic Games and
bidding cities sites, as well as international sports federations and
organizing committees.
As above stated, the strength of an international association is set
on sound management and reciprocal support from affiliated members. AIPS
is proud to have in its fold 143 member countries. However these flag
bearers cannot transmit the ideals if they are not aware of the strength
the media has in the world of sport.
AIPS Card – sport media recognition :
The passport to these ideals is the ‘media card’. As every
accreditation entitles and leads bearer to that or any particular happening,
the AIPS Card is the means of recognition. Literally an AIPS Card holder
is the individual flag bearer of perhaps one of most interesting professions.
It is not a mere card to put along and with which you expect a preferential
access.
It is a ‘profession card’
and as stated on the reverse to it ‘ Officials are asked to
give the card-folder every assistance’. A phrase, which is
not demanding, but self-explanatory. And as the new format depicts the
official logos of the affiliated continental sections, Africa, the
Federacion de Periodistas Deportivos – America, Asian Sports Press
Union – Asia and the Union Europeenne de la Presse Sportive –
Europe, international recognition of the AIPS Card is guaranteed.
However what is the role of each and national association in order to
strengthen the card. Not just a matter of validity but a matter of self-discipline.
There has to be uniformity in order to safeguard the sport media profession.
One way to create this uniformity is to see the idea of having the Card
as an access to national and international commitments, recognition from
international bodies, reciprocal support with entities for holders and
above all respect to those and by those while expressing their duties.
Bear in mind that the Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive
is not a trade union or a political factor.
These aspects are within the fold of each national association. AIPS
is the leading body to see that the strength of ‘ the CARD’
will increase. The recent past has put many questions to this factor.
Many have been tackled. Result to this any card holder not only benefits
of the usual member holder facilities but can proudly say ‘ I am
an AIPS member ‘.
And while celebrating a glorious anniversary,
while the world of sport recently celebrated the XXVIII Olympiad in
Athens, the Greek capital was the meeting point of the past with the
future in a display of unique heritage parallel to its contemporary
existence the words of Socrates delivered in the 4th century B.C : ‘
Value what you have but seek for more ‘ – reflect what
really are and must be the principles of those who have sport media
at heart.
http://www.icsspe.org/portal/bulletin-january2005.htm