[Westside]

Here's the scoop....The schools have to either restrict or charge a prices or do whatever because if they didn't there'd be 20 "outlets"  with cell phones proclaiming themselves media networks demanding to bring 8 people in to do the live broadcast, everyone wants to be Dick Vitale looking for Facebook fame.  I think if the schools say we're picking one network over another they'll get sued by someone claiming freedom of the press, that's the reason for the fee.  Real press with advertisers usually have a dedicated phone line, their own wifi installed at these venues who broadcast and will pay the fee.

13th region has at least a dozen of these "Media Networks" with a new one popping up every week.

Someone above mentioned a broadcast/technology/media class, that's exactly what every school should do, create a class and designate kids to do the broadcast, anyone with a cell phone can do it it's not rocket science.  Then when you get to the district and region you charge a fee.  These "Media" guys want free admission, hospitality, reserved parking and all the perks, they're not stupid. 

There is a reason behind this madness FYI

The original $500 fee would have prevented that.