An open letter to Jets fans from the Herald

by · Newcastle Herald
An open letter to fans of the Newcastle Jets, from Newcastle Herald editor Lisa Allan and managing editor of sport, Chris Dutton.

Dear Jets fans of Newcastle and the Hunter,

We are writing to let you know that the Newcastle Herald's coverage of the Jets may look a little different in the coming weeks.

We were informed on Friday that the Jets were enforcing a ban on the Herald's long-time chief soccer reporter, James Gardiner, preventing his access to club-sanctioned media briefings.

The Jets said in August they did not want Gardiner to attend Jets media opportunities, following the publication of stories by him and other Herald journalists exposing late payments to several Newcastle businesses, organisations and individuals earlier this year.

The Herald values independent journalism. We report without fear or favour. While the Jets remain a partner of our organisation, we will not allow anyone, partner or otherwise, to dictate what we cover and how we cover it.

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As long-time Herald readers know, Gardiner has reported on the A-League since the inaugural season in 2005-06, and has written thousands of stories on Jets teams during his award-winning career in journalism.

We have told the Newcastle Jets that a ban on one Herald reporter is a ban on the Herald.

While the Jets' decision is disappointing, especially coming on the eve of the A-League Men's and Women's seasons, and will pose challenges for how we do our work, the Herald will continue our award-winning coverage of Newcastle's team.

Our top priority has always been, and will always be, keeping our audience and our community informed, and that will continue during this A-League season.

To our loyal readers and advertising partners, thank you for your continuing support of the Newcastle Herald's proudly local and proudly independent journalism.

Lisa Allan, editor, and Chris Dutton, managing editor of sport