The NFL has a rule to limit TV screens to 55 inches at public viewings. The league makes an exception for venues like bars and restaurants that regularly broadcast sporting events. But churches that dare to let their parishioners watch the mayhem on the big screen are coming under fire. Presumably, the league is not protecting intellectual property, but want parishioners to go to bars instead of churches on Sunday.
Alter, Alexandra. 2008. "God vs. Gridiron: As Church Super Bowl Parties Are Busted by NFL." Wall Street Journal (2 February): p. W 1.
As I asked PGL, are those churches paying (or even offering to pay) for broadcasting rights? The bars paid for a year's worth of NFL broadcast rights, including the Super Bowl, to give themselves a Competitive Advantage (or, more accurately, in expectation of realising a positive ROI on that investment).
ReplyDeleteIf CBS suddenly started running the Fox feed tonight, does anyone think it wouldn't be an IP violation? What is the difference, on the local level, between the sudden competition of the Church with the bars.
Ken,
ReplyDeleteAre those churches charging an admission fee to come to the church and watch the game? If not, how does the NFL have any claim? Am I liable to the NFL if I invite my friends into my home for the purpose of watching the game together? What was the purpose of broadcasting the game in the first place? Answer: To broadcast a string of commercial advertisements over publicly licensed air waves. That's the entire intention of the process and the NFL and Fox TV. Granted that it is an infringement on the use of the broadcasts value if I charge you to watch. How about if I invite you to watch, but only charge you for the sandwiches that you eat?
The church may not charge admission but it may pass the plate. But what about the impact of some of the naughty, naughty commercials on the parishioners?
ReplyDeleteNo, I won't charge friends to watch at my home but they better bring some quality munchies, like a five pound bag of Shah of Iran pistachios and a 12-pack of Corona (with limes, of course). As for the teetotlers, let them pray.