Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.


NYSE bars Al Jazeera reporter from trading floor - Mar. 25, 2003

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Qatar-based satellite TV network Al Jazeera said Tuesday it was "deeply concerned" over the decision by the New York Stock Exchange to oust the Arab media outlet from the trading floor.


"Al Jazeera regrets the decision of the New York Stock Exchange, just as it regrets any restrictions on the freedom of the press," the network said in a statement. "We urge the NYSE to reconsider its decision in the interests of upholding the values of the United States of America."


The New York Stock Exchange banned Al Jazeera late Monday, saying it was restricting access to networks that offer "responsible" coverage of business news.

"We only have a finite number of slots available within the exchange for broadcast networks and demand for space has been increasing ever since the war began," said Ray Pellecchia, spokesman for the NYSE.


Pellecchia said security precautions did influence the NYSE's decision about restricting the number of news outlets. He added that several other news organizations have also been asked to leave but didn't name them. Pellecchia said the decision regarding Al Jazeera was "indefinite." [...]