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An ad by any other name...

The NFL now explains that, yes, journalists covering their games must wear vests with Reebok and Canon logos (see July 25 entry on this blog) - but the logos are not ads. The logos are simply "directly related to the manufacture of the vest." I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds like a solution to this conflict is easier than we thought. If the logos are not ads and just happen to be there, journalists have no obligation to make sure they stay there or that they remain visible. Duct tape might work. How about a different way of manufacturing the vests, so the logos are not there? (Or is the NFL neglecting to say that the logos are required to be there - like, say, ads?) Better yet, since the NFL is digging in and blaming it on a clothing production process, media organizations should avoid all this silliness on their own. They can meet the NFL's standards for distinctive media vests, with the right style, color, "Photographer" label, etc., by supplying their own. Why does the NFL have such a tin ear on this, when it's important for news organizations to maintain their journalistic integrity? The size of the "ad/logo" is not the issue; being forced to wear one is. Read the NFL's letter for yourself at http://spj.org/blog/blogs/president/archive/2007/08/07/8198.aspx
Published Wednesday, August 08, 2007 4:07 AM by AndySchotz

Comments

# re: An ad by any other name...

Thursday, August 09, 2007 1:11 AM by Peter Sussman
Inspired solutions, Andy -- especially the duct tape. In situations like this, I think the press must assert itself collectively to make the point that they are there to cover the game, not to play bit parts in the NFL's show. For example, if ALL the journalists covering a game showed up in their own clothes (what a concept!), either they would be let in or the game, presumably, wouldn't be covered in the news media. The resulting bad publicity in either case would likely result in a change of policy.

# re: An ad by any other name...

Thursday, August 09, 2007 3:28 AM by Andy Schotz
I've heard some call for a media show of force/solidarity. I like the idea, but I don't think there's the collective will to do it. Reporters also could end the secret government-background sessions in Washington, D.C., by doing the same thing, but everyone is afraid of those who ignore the boycott and get one or more steps ahead of the pack. Besides, I'm not sure that all journalists (photographers, editors) see this as important. Just look at the E&P story that quotes AP's director of photography saying AP will go along with this arrangement, as long as the ads are small. (http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003621908)

# re: An ad by any other name...

Thursday, August 09, 2007 9:41 AM by Jerry Dunklee
I'm reminded of the title given to the senator who defended "big oil" several years ago who was dubbed "Senator Exxon."  Some wag suggested that all members of Congress wear clothing or get tatoos that reveal their principle campaign donors.

The NFL needs to back off.  And all journalists, not just the sportswriters, should scream very loudly NO!  "We are here to cover the event, not as billboards for the NFL's sponsors."  

It's bad enough that the sports teams now usually have control of the play-by-play and color announcers, rather than the stations or networks.  

Jerry Dunklee

# An end to the silliness?

Saturday, August 11, 2007 3:22 AM by Andy Schotz
The NFL has backed off, or budged, or whatever you want to call it, in a strange back-door way. I caught this report on NPR today. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12698712) Notice the last line: As journalists threaten to cover up the ad/logos on the required Canon and Reebok vests, the NFL spokesman apparently is giving us a "go ahead" wink. Can anyone explain what ever was mandatory about this? Just the color and style of the vest? Why couldn't the NFL have said that right from the start?
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