AP-LPGA dispute resolved

You figured it wouldn't go on for very long; the LPGA had too much to lose. Here's the statement:

LPGA/AP joint statement regarding revisions to photo media credential regulations and coverage of this week’s Fields Open in Hawaii Feb. 24, 2006

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and The Associated Press (AP) have resolved today the most significant issues arising from revised media credential regulations for coverage of the LPGA Fields Open tournament in Kapolei, Hawaii. Beginning today, AP will provide normal coverage of the event.

The LPGA has always intended for its credentials to provide media companies with the same rights to use news and information obtained at LPGA events that are available from other mainstream sports leagues and governing bodies. AP is satisfied with assurances from the LPGA that its regulations were never intended to and don’t limit access or editorial use of information and photos obtained at their events.

The LPGA confirmed today that the following language applies to its events and will be included in future editions of its credential regulations:

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the LPGA Photographer and Journalist Media Credential Regulations, media outlets may make unrestricted editorial use of any images or articles they create pursuant to their access to any LPGA event.

AP also confirmed on Thursday that it had no objections to limits on commercial use of its coverage in the LPGA media credentials, which is a standard provision of most major event credentialing policies.