NFL Stops Churches from having SuperBowl Parties (1 Viewer)

[ffball-novice]

Apparently the NFL has asserted it's copyright by preventing churches from free public showings for it's members.

IN the arcane logic of the NFL groups that charge admission (that I understand) or use TV's larger than 55" they consider to be violators of their copyright. Several churches in Indianpolis are cancelling their planned parties.

However in the NFL world of logic it's OK for Bars that show sports all year long to show the game. Most of these bars in Indianapolis are charging a table or stool reservation fee, which is different than a cover or entry fee.

Free Church fellowship event = bad.

NFL

OK

Me =

Indianapolis Star Article

 

[Bri]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

 

[radballs]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

VERY

 

[BassNBrew]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

If you were a Bear's fan you would.

 

[Widbil83]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

If you were a Bear's fan you would.

 

[Rovers]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

If you were a Bear's fan you would.

Sorry, but that was funny.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Who does the NFL think they are? God?

 

[nerangers]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

 

[fasteddie_21]

Apparently the NFL has asserted it's copyright by preventing churches from free public showings for it's members.

IN the arcane logic of the NFL groups that charge admission (that I understand) or use TV's larger than 55" they consider to be violators of their copyright. Several churches in Indianpolis are cancelling their planned parties.

However in the NFL world of logic it's OK for Bars that show sports all year long to show the game. Most of these bars in Indianapolis are charging a table or stool reservation fee, which is different than a cover or entry fee.

Free Church fellowship event = bad.

NFL

OK

Me =

Indianapolis Star Article

eta: ty BnB...too damn funny!

-fe

 

[Tom Servo]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

Nothing wrong with it. The fun, the fellowship, and having a good time are good things for a church.

 

[Godsbrother]

Apparently the NFL has asserted it's copyright by preventing churches from free public showings for it's members.

IN the arcane logic of the NFL groups that charge admission (that I understand) or use TV's larger than 55" they consider to be violators of their copyright. Several churches in Indianpolis are cancelling their planned parties.

However in the NFL world of logic it's OK for Bars that show sports all year long to show the game. Most of these bars in Indianapolis are charging a table or stool reservation fee, which is different than a cover or entry fee.

Free Church fellowship event = bad.

NFL

OK

Me =

Indianapolis Star Article

You shouldn't be confused. The idea is the NFL wants people to go to sport bars and/or drink beer because beer companies are their biggest sponsors and sports bars promote the NFL year round. Churches do neither.If churches (or anyone else) want to have Super Bowl parties why not use 54" screens?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

You shouldn't be confused. The idea is the NFL wants people to go to sport bars and/or drink beer because beer companies are their biggest sponsors and sports bars promote the NFL year round. Churches do neither.

I am going to protest the NFL's recent actions by watching the SB in church while simultaneously making online halftime wagers on the game.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Pretty sure the bars have been paying fees all year. Churches have not.

 

[matuski]

Don't think for a second the church isn't going to ask for "donations" before, during, or after the event.

They are making money off it the same as the bars.

 

[Banger]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

 

[Bri]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

That makes sense. OK

 

[harryhood]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

 

[3C's]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Christians/church goers whatever you want to call them like football too. And some churches, many I've been too, have professional projection and sound systems. So what's better, watching on your 42" (or worse) by yourself or with friends on a giant screen?So if the loophole is for establishments that show games all year long, is the way out for churches to show games every week from now on? Or is the NFL saying you have to be a bar? There's a movie theater (cafe type where they serve food and drinks) nearby that's been advertising their "Big Game" (can't use the words Super Bowl ) where they'll show the game on one of their screens and serve food etc. Something like $18 for a ticket. They didn't show games all year. Wonder if they'll still be doing it.

 

[dgreen]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

That makes sense. OK

What did you think they were going to do? Have a sermon and sing hymns while watching the game?

 

[Mungo Burrows]

If churches (or anyone else) want to have Super Bowl parties why not use 54" screens?

At least in the case in question, they had arranged for rental of a 12' screen so it could be seen by all the people they were going to have.

 

[Bri]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

In nerangers example, churches and kids, would absolutely be allowed to if they asked for permission. They probably forgot to ask.The NFL loves kids. NFL gives away free stuff for kids, free kids fantasy leagues, players sign autographs for them for free, players help less fortunate kids....on and on. The LAW is something along the lines of-You can't charge $ to view a copyright-ed TV broadcast unless you have express written permission.I dare you to write ANY NFL team and ask if it's OK if some kids get together at a church and watch a game. There's no way they don't say yes.

 

[Bri]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

That makes sense. OK

What did you think they were going to do? Have a sermon and sing hymns while watching the game?

I had no idea just looking for clarification, that's all

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

In nerangers example, churches and kids, would absolutely be allowed to if they asked for permission. They probably forgot to ask.The NFL loves kids. NFL gives away free stuff for kids, free kids fantasy leagues, players sign autographs for them for free, players help less fortunate kids....on and on.

The LAW is something along the lines of-You can't charge $ to view a copyright-ed TV broadcast unless you have express written permission.

I dare you to write ANY NFL team and ask if it's OK if some kids get together at a church and watch a game. There's no way they don't say yes.

The church asked for permission. It agreed not to charge anything. The NFL said no.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NFL has nixed a church's plans to use a wall projector to show the Colts-Bears Super Bowl game, saying it would violate copyright laws.

NFL officials spotted a promotion of Fall Creek Baptist Church's "Super Bowl Bash" on the church Web site last week and overnighted a letter to the pastor demanding the party be canceled, the church said.

Initially, the league objected to the church's plan to charge a fee to attend and that the church used the license-protected words "Super Bowl" in its promotions.

Pastor John D. Newland said he told the NFL his church would not charge anyone and that it would drop the use of the forbidden words.

But the NFL objected to the church's plans to use a projector to show the game, saying the law limits it to one TV no bigger than 55 inches.

The church will likely abandon its plans to host a Super Bowl party.

"We want to be supportive of our local team," Newland said. "For us to have all our congregation huddled around a TV that is big enough only for 10 or 12 people to watch just makes little sense."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league's long-standing policy is to ban "mass out-of-home viewing" of the Super Bowl. An exception is made for sports bars and other businesses that show televised sports as a part of their everyday operations.

"We have contracts with our (TV) networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home," Aiello said. "The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen."

It is also the reason no mass viewings are planned in large arenas like the RCA Dome or Conseco Fieldhouse.

Newland said his church won't break the law.

"It just frustrates me that most of the places where crowds are going to gather to watch this game are going to be places that are filled with alcohol and other things that are inappropriate for children," Newland said. "We tried to provide an alternative to that and were shut down."

Other Indiana churches said they are deciding whether they should go through with their Super Bowl party plans, given the NFL's stance.

link

 

[3C's]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

Bri, My chuch does a Big Super Bowl party for the Youth group in the church Youth room. The game up on the big screen, blaring through the speaker system, food, fun, friends...why not?

That makes sense. OK

What did you think they were going to do? Have a sermon and sing hymns while watching the game?

I assume that's exactly what they do at halftime. Don't know though. My FIL invites me every year. I ask if they'll let me bring beer. He takes that as a no.

 

[Bri]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

In nerangers example, churches and kids, would absolutely be allowed to if they asked for permission. They probably forgot to ask.The NFL loves kids. NFL gives away free stuff for kids, free kids fantasy leagues, players sign autographs for them for free, players help less fortunate kids....on and on. The LAW is something along the lines of-You can't charge $ to view a copyright-ed TV broadcast unless you have express written permission.I dare you to write ANY NFL team and ask if it's OK if some kids get together at a church and watch a game. There's no way they don't say yes.

The church asked for permission. It agreed not to charge anything. The NFL said no.

link?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

See above.

 

[Banger]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

In nerangers example, churches and kids, would absolutely be allowed to if they asked for permission. They probably forgot to ask.The NFL loves kids. NFL gives away free stuff for kids, free kids fantasy leagues, players sign autographs for them for free, players help less fortunate kids....on and on.

The LAW is something along the lines of-You can't charge $ to view a copyright-ed TV broadcast unless you have express written permission.

I dare you to write ANY NFL team and ask if it's OK if some kids get together at a church and watch a game. There's no way they don't say yes.

The church asked for permission. It agreed not to charge anything. The NFL said no.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NFL has nixed a church's plans to use a wall projector to show the Colts-Bears Super Bowl game, saying it would violate copyright laws.

NFL officials spotted a promotion of Fall Creek Baptist Church's "Super Bowl Bash" on the church Web site last week and overnighted a letter to the pastor demanding the party be canceled, the church said.

Initially, the league objected to the church's plan to charge a fee to attend and that the church used the license-protected words "Super Bowl" in its promotions.

Pastor John D. Newland said he told the NFL his church would not charge anyone and that it would drop the use of the forbidden words.

But the NFL objected to the church's plans to use a projector to show the game, saying the law limits it to one TV no bigger than 55 inches.

The church will likely abandon its plans to host a Super Bowl party.

"We want to be supportive of our local team," Newland said. "For us to have all our congregation huddled around a TV that is big enough only for 10 or 12 people to watch just makes little sense."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league's long-standing policy is to ban "mass out-of-home viewing" of the Super Bowl. An exception is made for sports bars and other businesses that show televised sports as a part of their everyday operations.

"We have contracts with our (TV) networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home," Aiello said. "The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen."

It is also the reason no mass viewings are planned in large arenas like the RCA Dome or Conseco Fieldhouse.

Newland said his church won't break the law.

"It just frustrates me that most of the places where crowds are going to gather to watch this game are going to be places that are filled with alcohol and other things that are inappropriate for children," Newland said. "We tried to provide an alternative to that and were shut down."

Other Indiana churches said they are deciding whether they should go through with their Super Bowl party plans, given the NFL's stance.

link

that's really weak by the NFL.

 

[My_Favorite_Team_is]

Apparently the NFL has asserted it's copyright by preventing churches from free public showings for it's members.

IN the arcane logic of the NFL groups that charge admission (that I understand) or use TV's larger than 55" they consider to be violators of their copyright. Several churches in Indianpolis are cancelling their planned parties.

However in the NFL world of logic it's OK for Bars that show sports all year long to show the game. Most of these bars in Indianapolis are charging a table or stool reservation fee, which is different than a cover or entry fee.

Free Church fellowship event = bad.

NFL

OK

Me =

Indianapolis Star Article

Maybe Davenport was just trying to save some dough???

 

[yellowdog]

 

[matuski]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

What are your feelings on the corporate side of church/religion?

 

[GroveDiesel]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

What are your feelings on the corporate side of church/religion?

to both "corporate" churches and your implication that all churches behave that way.

 

[Bri]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

In nerangers example, churches and kids, would absolutely be allowed to if they asked for permission. They probably forgot to ask.The NFL loves kids. NFL gives away free stuff for kids, free kids fantasy leagues, players sign autographs for them for free, players help less fortunate kids....on and on.

The LAW is something along the lines of-You can't charge $ to view a copyright-ed TV broadcast unless you have express written permission.

I dare you to write ANY NFL team and ask if it's OK if some kids get together at a church and watch a game. There's no way they don't say yes.

The church asked for permission. It agreed not to charge anything. The NFL said no.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NFL has nixed a church's plans to use a wall projector to show the Colts-Bears Super Bowl game, saying it would violate copyright laws.

NFL officials spotted a promotion of Fall Creek Baptist Church's "Super Bowl Bash" on the church Web site last week and overnighted a letter to the pastor demanding the party be canceled, the church said.

Initially, the league objected to the church's plan to charge a fee to attend and that the church used the license-protected words "Super Bowl" in its promotions.

Pastor John D. Newland said he told the NFL his church would not charge anyone and that it would drop the use of the forbidden words.

But the NFL objected to the church's plans to use a projector to show the game, saying the law limits it to one TV no bigger than 55 inches.

The church will likely abandon its plans to host a Super Bowl party.

"We want to be supportive of our local team," Newland said. "For us to have all our congregation huddled around a TV that is big enough only for 10 or 12 people to watch just makes little sense."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league's long-standing policy is to ban "mass out-of-home viewing" of the Super Bowl. An exception is made for sports bars and other businesses that show televised sports as a part of their everyday operations.

"We have contracts with our (TV) networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home," Aiello said. "The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen."

It is also the reason no mass viewings are planned in large arenas like the RCA Dome or Conseco Fieldhouse.

Newland said his church won't break the law.

"It just frustrates me that most of the places where crowds are going to gather to watch this game are going to be places that are filled with alcohol and other things that are inappropriate for children," Newland said. "We tried to provide an alternative to that and were shut down."

Other Indiana churches said they are deciding whether they should go through with their Super Bowl party plans, given the NFL's stance.

link

that's really weak by the NFL.

NFL writes law now?

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

To ask Jesus to drop kick me through the goal post of life.

 

[Mark Wimer]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

If you were a Bear's fan you would.

Xactly.

 

[Mark Wimer]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

If you were a Bear's fan you would.

Xactly.

 

[matuski]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

What are your feelings on the corporate side of church/religion?

to both "corporate" churches and your implication that all churches behave that way.

Give me a break.. it is common sense that churches are businesses. If they don't make money they don't stay open - they have bills just like everyone else.I am not implying, I am saying it directly.No different in that respect than any other instituition or business, including the NFL.

 

[Foosball God]

If the NFL does not protect itself from everyone violating their copyright then that opens the door for other people to ignore it as well.

Apple is using this same strategy with Cisco. Cisco owns the rights to the name iPhone, but there are several other companies that make a use the name iPhone as well. Since Cisco has not ordered these companies to cease and desist it opens the door for Apple to say that Cisco let it's exclusive copyright lapse.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Pretty sure the bars have been paying fees all year. Churches have not.

That's what this is about.I just see a company protecting it's copyrighted product. What's wrong with that? The folks that have a problem with this - are you the same folks that say it's OK to steal movies and songs from the internet?

 

[redman]

I don't understand why you'd go to a church to watch a football game

VERY

Not really. It's not my cup of tea, but a lot of people don't just go to church to punch a clock for 90-120 minutes every Sunday. They socialize there too. If that's where your friends are, why not watch the Super Bowl "Big Game" with them there?

 

[GroveDiesel]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

What are your feelings on the corporate side of church/religion?

to both "corporate" churches and your implication that all churches behave that way.

Give me a break.. it is common sense that churches are businesses. If they don't make money they don't stay open - they have bills just like everyone else.I am not implying, I am saying it directly.No different in that respect than any other instituition or business, including the NFL.

Most churches don't "make" money. They pay their expenses and that's it. That's why they're charities and not corporations. They're not in it to make the pastor rich. And 99% of churches out there are very low pressure when it comes to money. My church talks about stewardship once or twice a year. That's not to say that there aren't con artists out there that prey on people's beliefs and make themselves wealthy, but the vast majority act nothing like the NFL (or any corporation).

 

[fatness]

NFL writes law now?

I was wondering about the legal basis for this also, and so far what I've found on it is on a church website: Link

Mike Johnson, an attorney with the religious liberty group Alliance Defense Fund, said the NFL has a double standard.

"It certainly smacks of anti-religious discrimination to me," he told BP. "Federal copyright law includes the right to control how a broadcast is displayed. There's no dispute about that. But it certainly seems that the way that they are enforcing their policies here is discriminatory. The idea that they would allow exceptions for bars and restaurants but not for churches and other family friendly venues is just outrageous."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello explained the copyright rule, telling the Indianapolis Star, "We have contracts with our [TV] networks to provide free over-the-air television for people at home. The network economics are based on television ratings and at-home viewing. Out-of-home viewing is not measured by Nielsen."

Nielsen rates TV shows through the use of television meters placed in a "cross-section of households." During sweeps months, the organization also has the sample group use diaries. Unless church members and guests were among that select group, the church’s planned showing of the Super Bowl would not affect ratings.

"I don't lend too much credence to [the NFL's] argument [regarding Nielsen],” the ADF’s Johnson said, “because if that were the case then they should also be going to all the sports bars and restaurants and other venues and imposing the same restriction. It seems to me a bit of a disingenuous argument."

 

[Iron Mike Tomczak]

Im saying that churches should pay for the right, get blessid wine, allow voluptous consumption, and charge a door fee + God tax to compensate. That way money goes to: The NFL (most importantly apparently), Covering the Wine Fees, and Donations to the Church! There now everyones happy!

 

[redman]

Im saying that churches should pay for the right, get blessid wine, allow voluptous consumption, and charge a door fee + God tax to compensate. That way money goes to: The NFL (most importantly apparently), Covering the Wine Fees, and Donations to the Church! There now everyones happy!

I honestly have no idea what you're ranting about.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Pretty sure the bars have been paying fees all year. Churches have not.

That's what this is about.I just see a company protecting it's copyrighted product. What's wrong with that? The folks that have a problem with this - are you the same folks that say it's OK to steal movies and songs from the internet?

What fees? The DirecTv Sunday Ticket? That's to DirecTv, not to the networks. And the bars aren't paying anyone to be allowed to show the SuperBowl. Basically the NFL is saying that as long as you pay DirecTV during the regular season, they'll look the other way during the SuperBowl. The NFL is lucky that it's a church that they're picking on and not somebody that would fight them in court. I think that this reaks of selective enforcement of their copyright.

 

[jonessed]

I'm liking the corporate side of the NFL less and less these days.

Agreed. Especially after I saw the Real Sports piece last week about players trying to get disability benefits.

What are your feelings on the corporate side of church/religion?

to both "corporate" churches and your implication that all churches behave that way.

Give me a break.. it is common sense that churches are businesses. If they don't make money they don't stay open - they have bills just like everyone else.I am not implying, I am saying it directly.No different in that respect than any other instituition or business, including the NFL.

Churches are non-profits. They are considered different even by the IRS.It seems like the bad press really isn't worth it for the NFL. This hasn't apparently been an issue before. Why blow it up before the Super Bowl where mainstream media is going to grab a hold of it?

 

[GroveDiesel]

Im saying that churches should pay for the right, get blessid wine, allow voluptous consumption, and charge a door fee + God tax to compensate. That way money goes to: The NFL (most importantly apparently), Covering the Wine Fees, and Donations to the Church! There now everyones happy!

I honestly have no idea what you're ranting about.

I think that what he is saying is that if the church paid for the SundayTicket then charged a door fee to cover the SundayTicket and food that the NFL would allow them to show the game on their projector. And I can't see how the NFL could possibly not allow that.

 

[grind]

What is this Super Bowl you all are referencing? Don't you mean the Big Football Game this weekend?

 

[dgreen]

So if any of us have a SB party with a 56'' screen, is that not ok with the NFL?

What's a party? If it's just my family of four, that's clearly not a party. If it's my entire street, that's clearly a party. Where's the line?

 

[GroveDiesel]

So if any of us have a SB party with a 56'' screen, is that not ok with the NFL?

I started a thread in the FFA about this topic and somebody pointed out that the NFL makes a distinction between "in-home viewing" and "out of home viewing." They claim that it's because of the Nielson ratings.