FIS Newsflash articles 2012-2013

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An Olympic first: Sochi 2014 announces free internet for the media

The traditional World Press Briefing (WPB), held in Krasnaya Polyana (RUS) from 6th-9th November 2012, saw over 300 media representatives from 30 countries come together to receive a first glimpse into the range of services available to accredited media at the Sochi 2014 Games. A total of 2,800 media are expected to attend the first Winter Games in Russia. The WPB traditionally serves as a forum for planning the work of the non-rights holding media at the Games. The media organisations in attendance included the New York Times, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, CNN, FOX, AP, AFP, Reuters, Bloomberg, Xinhua, along with RIA Novosti, ITAR-TASS, "Sovetsky Sport", sportbox.ru and championat.com, among others, whilst FIS was represented by Communications Manager Riikka Rakic.

Focused on creating the best work conditions possible, the Sochi 2014 team announced at the Briefing that there will be free Wi-Fi access to the Internet for journalists at all the competition venues and media centers, including the Gorki Media Center in the Mountain Cluster, the mixed zones, press stands and press conference halls at the venues, as well as official media hotels. This is the first time in Olympic history that WI-Fi access to the Internet will be free. Media representatives will also be able to take advantage of higher-speed, paid Internet access to the for 4,000 rubles, which is four times cheaper than at the Games in Vancouver and two times cheaper than at the Games in London.

Press accreditation for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi began on 8th October 2012. A total of 2,800 journalists can be accredited for them - as many as there were for the Games in Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010. The allowance for each specific country is established by the IOC.

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