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RSSThis week, the NFL told the media that any detailed accounts of the games must be time-delayed and that live updates must be limited to scores or other quick facts. "The accredited organization's game coverage cannot be used as a substitute for, or otherwise approximate, authorized play-by-play accounts," the organization mandates, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In other words, no live-blogging, Facebook updates or Twitter posts that reveal too much information.
This policy is wrongheaded on many levels. First, as a practical matter, the real-time Web isn't going to go away simply because the NFL doesn't like it. Unless the NFL and SEC plan to confiscate everyone's cell phones, audience members -- including the media -- will find a way to tweet their observations of the games.
Presumably, the NFL could de-credential reporters who tweet. But the organization can't realistically prevent reporters from purchasing tickets and live-blogging from the stands.
Besides, shouldn't the NFL encourage more media and fan engagement, not less? Blogging doesn't detract from TV and radio coverage of games. On the contrary, blogs and tweets supplement other coverage. Who does the NFL think is reading all of the live Web reports, other than fans who are also watching the games?
Obviously the NFL, like the SEC, is afraid that play-by-play coverage of games would pose a threat to the media companies that pay for broadcast rights. But the attempt to limit the use of technology to spread news about the games come off less as a sound business strategy than a desperate and reactionary attempt to squelch independent commentary.
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What they forget is that the connection between the players and their fans is the greatest asset they got - and they should cultivate this asset.
Public figures across every vertical are using social media to reach out directly to their fans, followers and stakeholders. There is no putting this genie back in the bottle. I think next year, when the NFL has gotten over the social media shock, they will be smart and find a way to encourage twitter while protecting their media interests.
The real meat of the matter is that the NFL is sending a message that they are more concerned with protecting revenue than the fan experience. Just like the Washington Redskins who recently sued their season ticket owners who lost their jobs and couldn't afford to pay.