NFL Claims Photo Vests With Corporate Logos Not A New Concept

NFL Says Logos On Photographers Vests Consistent With Other Events

NFL Dir of Corporate Communications Brian McCarthy yesterday responded to critics of the league’s new policy requiring photographers to wear vests with Reebok and Canon logos on them, indicating that “similar requirements elsewhere have not sparked such complaints,” according to Joe Strupp of EDITOR & PUBLISHER.  McCarthy: “This is consistent with other sporting events. We’ve had this type of vest in the past with Super Bowls without any concern and they have worn it.”  He added, “The logos themselves are small, non-intrusive and they won’t be seen on game day by fans at home.  It is not a media exposure play.”  McCarthy noted the WNBA All-Star Game, the Olympics and college football bowl games all require photographers to wear sponsored vests.  The league has received letters about the policy from the Associated Press Managing Editors (APME) and the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and McCarthy said, “We're continuing to work with those groups”  (EDITORANDPUBLISHER.com, 7/24).  The APME letter to Goodell states editors oppose the provision due to "our desire not to have our working press photographers become unwilling participants in any commercial and marketing arrangements the NFL has with its sponsors" (EDITORANDPUBLISHER.com, 7/24).