Comments on: LEAGUE-WIDE LIVE BLOGGING POLICY NOT NEW

By: VermiciousKnid

VermiciousKnid — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:01:29 +0000

I think the no live-blogging policy is patently ridiculous, and not something any member of the NFL media should dismiss so readily, regardless of whether they’re ever credentialed to watch a game from the pressbox.

For years, now, Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe has been posting regular updates from the press box on his Patriots blog during games. He does a great job of conveying some of the information the guys in the booth should be talking about instead of blathering on about how swell Player X is and why he’s what football is all about. Under the NFL’s no live blogging policy, this would have to go. I can’t see how the NFL in any way benefits from losing this kind of dedicated, thorough in-game reporting.

More importantly than that, though, is that this is a heavy-handed attempt to exert control over the media that covers it, and should not be tolerated by any media organization that takes its integrity and independence seriously. Serious news organizations must not accept this limitation on what and when their accredited reporters are allowed to report on.

This is a flagrant misuse of the monopoly allowed them by dint of exemption from federal law, and since the ever new-media-wary government is clearly not going to get involved, the media needs to push back against this by refusing to send reporters to games under these kind of editorial restrictions.

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By: BruinEric

BruinEric — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:15:43 +0000

It must be nice being on top in the sports entertainment world. The league can consistently ask people to NOT publicize their product and NOT show their product to groups.

I love the NFL, but they need to stay on top in a way that is friendly with new media.

Hungry (desperate?) leagues like the NHL have some teams making blogger-specific accomodations and access. But the NFL has no such worries…except in podunk towns like L.A. where a whole generation of kids don’t buy tickets and sport NBA jerseys and throwback jerseys.

I want to see some popular restaurant place a similar rights notice to restrict restaurant reviewers.

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By: Vox Veritas

Vox Veritas — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:49:36 +0000

Wow, a team reiterated a league memo instead of ignored it. What a concept!

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By: fightingirish

fightingirish — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:15:11 +0000

Compare the NFL with MLB (based on most recent season):

Blogging allowed during games: MLB, yes; NFL, no.
Game highlights availability on Internet:
MLB- available at least at ESPN.com and MLB.com.
NFL - available only at NFL.com.

(What else am I missing?)

Guess which sport gets my vote for best Internet access?

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By: dolphin fan

dolphin fan — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:48:10 +0000

“This telecast is copyrighted by the NFL for the private use of our audience. Any other use of this telecast or of any pictures, descriptions, or accounts of the game without the NFL’s consent, is prohibited.”
Am I allowed to talk to my family and friends about the games or do I need to keep my accounts and descriptions to myself??!??!

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By: blackglass3

blackglass3 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:43:47 +0000

So, the Cowboys broke and/or ignored a league policy. Sounds like the same thing the Patriots did, minus all the hype from ESPN.

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