NESN
sent
a memo to TV stations in Boston on Friday “detailing a series of video restrictions
that could severely hamper the way” the Red Sox and Bruins are covered, according
to Jeff Horrgan of the BOSTON HERALD. The Red Sox own 80% of NESN; the Bruins
own 20%. The “major restriction is to forbid the use of highlights while Red Sox
and Bruins games are in progress.” But some local producers say that the Bruins
“frequently beg for more news coverage.” WFXT-Fox sports anchor Ryan Asselta said,
“They’re kind of hamstringing stations as far as covering teams. It’s strange
because (teams) still want us to cover them as much as possible because they look
at it as an avenue to promote their product.” WBZ-CBS Senior Sports Producer Jackie
Connally added NESN is “totally within their rights to do this, but they’re getting
this reaction because they’re changing the rules as they have existed in this
market.” Horrgan notes some local stations “are concerned that the rules may be
a precursor to seeking rights fees from them.” But a Red Sox official said that
NESN is “likely to be flexible with the stations and that an acceptable resolution
will soon be reached” (
BOSTON
HERALD, 3/19).
