An NFL decision "banning teams from posting in-game video and GIFs to social media accounts has caught the sports business world off-guard," according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. Some observers "question why the league was apparently eschewing the prevailing wisdom that greater video content on social media leads to more fans watching games." Others wonder whether the new measure, which went into effect yesterday, was to "combat plunging national television ratings." The league has "denied that a TV ratings drop" of 11% over last season is "behind the revamped policy." But N.Y.-based VFT Solutions CEO Wayne Lonstein said that if TV ratings are "really behind the move, the NFL’s revamped policy won’t help." Lonstein "doubts fans are forgoing NFL broadcasts in favor of a few video highlights put out by teams." He said that the real problem is cord cutters "dropping cable TV because they can now watch pirated game broadcasts for free online." The league has "attributed TV ratings declines to the U.S. Presidential election, while others blame poor matchups, a lack of marquee players and even national anthem civil rights protests." Whatever the cause, other sports leagues "continue to view the use of in-game video by teams as beneficial to their TV product" (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/13).
NO FUN POLICE: In Boston, Ben Volin, who in his weekly column regularly looks at key NFL plays using video clips, writes, "It’s too bad that the NFL cracked down last week and told us to stop posting GIF videos with these stories." Volin would "love to show" how Patriots LB Elandon Roberts "smashed" Browns G Joe Thomas on Sunday to hold Browns RB Isaiah Crowell for no gain. Volin: "But the fun police said we can’t, so you’ll just have to take my word for it" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/11).
THE CONSULTANT SAYS...: YAHOO SPORTS' Kevin Kaduk lists several things NFL officials "should do to improve their lot on television." The NFL should "get rid of the Thursday games," improve game quality, improve the quality of the broadcast and "get local announcers" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/12).
