Ever since the SEC announced their new media guidelines earlier this year, there have been shrieks and cries of “bullsh-t!” from media organizations all across the country, although mainly in the area served by the league.
The draconian policies initially enacted by the conference have been changed on two occasions previously, and so they were for a third time earlier today as well.
Perhaps the biggest change is in the Internet arena. The revamped policy will allow additional flexibility when it comes to media organizations and their coverage of the conference across the web.
Here’s the full text of the press release announcing the changes:
In consultation with major media associations, the Southeastern Conference has issued its final Media Credential Policy for the 2009-10 season, conference officials announced today. The policy is in effect for all SEC intercollegiate athletic events hosted by its member institutions.
The SEC was assisted in the revision of the policy document in discussions with representatives of the Associated Press Sports Editors, Associated Press Managing Editors, American Society of News Editors and the Radio-Television News Directors Association.
“The SEC has always had a positive relationship with the media,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. “When contacted by major media associations, we immediately began constructive dialogue to address their concerns. While there were a few changes we could not meet, there was agreement on many of the issues. We look forward to maintaining communication with the media as we work to balance the issues important to the media and the SEC’s ability to protect its digital rights and trademarks.”
Among the adjustments in the final revision, media agencies have additional flexibility in internet news coverage, uses of photographic images, access to video images for television newscasts and special shows and clarification in the provisions of blogging.
The SEC will retain its exclusive rights for game action video on the internet while at the same time affording media outlets the opportunity to access game highlights through an embedded video player.
The SEC Media Credential Policy, which was initially revised on Aug. 14, will be reviewed annually.