WILL NFL'S DROP OF AD VIGNETTES ANGER SOME SPONSORS?

          Advertisers, "already in revolt in response to expected
     15%-25% price increases for ad spots" via the NFL's new TV
     deals, "now have something else to gripe about: The NFL has
     taken away their valuable in-game sponsored vignettes,"
     according to Wayne Friedman of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. 
     Vignettes such as "Honda Great Drives," on NBC, and the
     "AFLAC Insurance Trivia Question" on Fox "won't be around in
     coming years."  The NFL, which allowed as many as eight
     vignettes per game, will now add three commercial spots to
     broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, CBS and Fox.  NFL Senior VP/
     Broadcasting Val Pinchbeck: "We thought it was better for
     the viewer and the advertiser to add inventory.  We wanted
     to get rid of the clutter."  Friedman also reports that,
     after the deals, Disney may now combine its ABC/ESPN sports
     advertising sales departments (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 1/16).