A memo sent to all 32 NFL teams said that all franchises are "subject to a new fine schedule for exceeding the limits on video and any moving content" beginning Oct. 12, according to Albert Breer of THE MMQB. The new rules are "particularly strict during the 60 minutes leading up to games, and through games, with clubs largely limited to re-posting from the NFL's own accounts." The memo "says that first-time offenders will be fined up to $25,000, a second offense will warrant a fine of up to $50,000, and a third offense will merit a fine of up to $100,000 and loss of rights to post league-controlled content." The NFL said that the new enforcement measures are "unrelated to the ratings issue, but it is ... a sign that the league is being increasingly careful with its most valuable content" (MMQB.SI.com, 10/6). A source said that the league "deemed video to be 'anything that moves.'" MASHABLE's Sam Laird noted this "includes GIFs from previous games of players celebrating, or even pop culture GIFs." Sources said that they "feel the new policy is meant to limit the creativity of what teams can do online during games in order to drive attention and eyeballs to official NFL accounts, as opposed to social accounts operated by franchises" (MASHABLE.com, 10/6).
LOOSENING THE GRIP: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio reported the league has "opted to loosen the limits on the ability of teams to post video content on their social media accounts." A source said that the NFL has "relaxed previously tight restrictions on the ability of franchises to use game content and other footage recorded in the stadium on game days." The video "can be used on any platform." However, when it comes to Facebook Live, the rules "remain rigid." Teams will now be "permitted to stream press conferences during the week on Facebook Live, but not much more than that" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 10/6).
