Budget lockup lockout

Treasury is demanding bloggers (including me) and reporters of the student media pay $108 to attend the pre-budget lockup next Thursday. Traditional media get in free, because, apparently it believes bloggers don't have a legitimate reason for attending, unlike newspapers, tv and radio.

They all got in for free last year. Is this new policy to assist MSM reporting that is getting weaker by the week?

Perhaps it's time for a blogger's budget blackout to oppose the budget lockup lockout. (Try saying that quickly).

Hattip Qantas media award winner Bernard Hickey.

Update Gee that was quick! Treasury have just called Hickey to waive the budget lockup entry fee for interest.co.nz. Here's hoping they do it for all bloggers.