Super League rugby club Hull FC have banned BBC Radio Humberside from talking to their players and coaching staff, after what the club calls a "series of negative and factually incorrect reports". The club also says that it is in talks with Hull's soon-to-launch new commercial radio station, KCFM, regarding a deal to cover the team.
In a statement on the Hull FC website, chief executive James Rule told fans that a new Press Manager would be appointed next month which will mean they'll be able to get official updates from the club online.
Mr Rule wrote: "I took the decision to withdraw Radio Humberside’s access to our players and coaching staff because I felt they were unsettling our players with a series of negative and factually incorrect reports, such as their statements suggesting imminent departures earlier in the season of Shaun Briscoe and Paul King. Whilst Radio Humberside had undoubtedly been given a 'tip off' from some quarters regarding Paul Cooke and his move to Hull KR the manner and timing of their reporting I felt left a lot to be desired."
KCFM, due to launch this summer, is part-owned by SMC – the company that runs the KC Stadium where Hull FC play. Mr Rule told fans that the rugby club will be providing the new station with access to coaches and players during the week and pre and post match. "We are close to finalising a commercial agreement with KC FM," he said. "It has stated that it will make sport and sports reporting a major priority and are intending to commit a significant financial sum to Hull FC in return for the right to commentate on all Hull FC games."
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