Thursday, January 31, 2008
NFL Begins to Embrace Online News Coverage
byThe National Football League is known for its extreme restrictions on press access and video footage, but its Super Bowl media approach seems encouraging for online news organizations.
More than 4,800 media passes will be issued, including a record number to online outlets. According to Editor & Publisher, NFL spokesperson Mike McCarthy says the league will only consider sites with a significant news presence:
“They are becoming real news outlets,” he said of the Web sites receiving Super Bowl credentials. “You are seeing a proliferation of Web sites hiring print reporters.”
In choosing to grant a credential to a Web site, however, McCarthy said the league still requires proof that it is a legitimate news outlet with regular readership and coverage. “We look at online reach of a particular Web site. Does it cover the NFL?” he explained. “Is it a newsgathering source?”
Based on this story, it appears bloggers are left out unless they are attached to an established news operation. This wouldn’t be surprising, considering the NCAA, PGA, NHL and International Olympic Committee have restricted access for bloggers.
As reported last year, the NFL aggressively monitors footage posted to YouTube and defends its network television rights. Still, it’s encouraging to see the always-protective NFL look beyond traditional media organizations for Super Bowl credentials. Perhaps it’s a sign the league is loosening its grip and shifting its online strategies.
