NFL players "must remove" any Beats by Dre headphones around TV cameras because Bose, under the terms of its agreement with the NFL, "received a broad set of rights that entitle it to prevent players (or coaches) from wearing any other manufacturer’s headphones during televised interviews," according to Dawn Chmielewski of RE/CODE. The ban "extends to TV interviews conducted during pre-season training camps or practice sessions and on game day -- starting before the opening kickoff through the final whistle to post-game interviews conducted in the locker room or on the podium." The restriction "remains in place until 90 minutes after the play has ended." Beats issued a statement saying that its headphones "have become part of the pre-game preparations for professional athletes" like 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, a Beats endorser. Bose "isn’t the only luxury headphone manufacturer looking to squelch Beats’ marketing clout by blocking its access to athletes during high-profile sporting events." Sony "kept its rivals off the pitch this summer" during the FIFA World Cup. Beats products also "were banned" by FIFA "during media briefings and on match days." The reason for the "aggressive marketing tactics is clear." Data from NPD shows that Beats, which Apple acquired for $3B earlier this year, accounts for 61% of the premium headphone market in the U.S., compared to Bose at 22% and Sony at 2% (RECODE.net, 10/4).
EAR PLUGS? CSNBAYAREA.com's Ray Ratto reported Kaepernick "has apparently decided to face down the league on its new headphone rule." Kaepernick’s appearance with his standard earwear "is a statement of revolution that, like his naughty language two weeks ago, will probably cost him some money." Ratto: "Maybe he should have gotten fines covered in his otherwise-company-friendly contract" (
CSNBAYAREA.com, 10/5).
