Deadline nears to register for alternative Olympics press centre

Journalists who are not accredited to cover this summer's Olympic Games in London have until the end of this month to register for an alternative facility that will act as a base for up to 6,000 media workers.

The 'London Media Centre', off Parliament Square, will be open from 9 July to 14 August and again from 27 August to 10 September and is targeted at journalists and other media workers covering the broader story of how the UK is putting on the major event and the public response.

It is estimated that up to 20,000 journalists will be in London to cover the games - and that two-thirds of these will be fully accredited with the National Olympic Committees of competing countries, giving them access to the press and broadcast facilities at the Olympic Park.

The London Media Centre will enable non-accredited journalists to cover the Olympics, and will also host press conferences by government ministers and officials, the mayor of London and others responsible for hosting the games.

Former England football captain Rio Ferdinard has been signed as a "sporting ambassador" to lead a series of events at the centre, including discussions and interviews with athletes and other celebrities.

London mayor Boris Johnson said in a release: "The LMC will keep journalists from across the globe on top of everything going on in our city, including a dazzling array of cultural events that will make London the only place to be during a summer like no other.

"With top notch facilities the LMC will help you get the access you need and I urge the world's media to register before the deadline to ensure they don't miss out."

The deadline for registration is 31 March and more information about the procedure can be found on the London Media Centre website.

The site also provides guidance to broadcasters on the rules surrounding filming in parts of London, and the insurance required.

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