Photographers denied access to IHSA event in legal battle over photo rights

BLOOMINGTON -- Several newspaper photographers were denied access to the media area of an Illinois High School Association cheerleading competition as part of an ongoing legal battle with the state press association over rights to sell photographs.

The dispute involves two lawsuits and a proposed legislative bill.

Newspaper publishers say they're pushing for a free press, while athletic officials claim newspapers want to profit off athletes.

Photographers from at least two newspapers -- The Pantagraph in Bloomington and the Daily Herald -- were denied access to the media area at IHSA's Competitive Cheerleading Championships in Bloomington Saturday.

The photographers refused to sign an IHSA agreement barring the sale of photo reprints.