The NFL passed a new rule that bans all local media off the field. The NFL now controls all the images and videos you get to see.

Your thoughts?

Local media shot at games?

No more of that. It's all NFL now.

Local outlets are out

The NFL voted quietly to remove local television cameras from the sidelines during games, meaning they will no longer be allowed to film game action for news and highlight shows. League officials say the policy is to protect the networks that paid for broadcast rights. They also say they want to relieve some ''congestion" on the sidelines. Some in the media believe the move was an effort to end the instant postgame interviews on the field, but NFL spokesman Steve Alic told News Photographer magazine that, like most things the league does, this is about controlling the product. ''The impetus for this," said Alic, ''was the unauthorized use of game footage that the NFL has seen most recently posted on a television station's website. Use of game footage on websites is unauthorized [translation: It hasn't been paid for]. It's been a big problem, especially recently. So the resolution is to curtail unauthorized use of game footage." The NFL hopes expanded digital media and Internet growth will fund the expanded revenue-sharing plan it recently approved. Protecting that franchise just went to a level local TV stations will not be happy about. But surely they'll be welcome to buy NFL clips for a licensing fee.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2006/04/02/a_poison_in_the_system