There is a very disturbing report circulating about a new, iron-fisted media policy for the SEC. If reports are true, fans would technically be prohibited from taking pictures at games. The potential ramifications are many, especially as it relates to new media. The SEC is attempting to exert its control beyond the stadium, too.
In addition to game coverage, the new media policy also affects pre- and post-game press conferences, practices or any other “event sponsored or hosted by the Southeastern Conference or by any one or more of its member institutions.”
This is the type of thing that happens when people/entities get drunk with power. The SEC is the most dominant force in collegiate athletics. The revenue and fan-following dwarfs that of other conferences nationally. Instead of embracing the exposure fan sites and blogs bring to the SEC, the conference appears ready to limit who can “officially” cover the teams and games.
We obviously will be following this story as it develops.
UPDATE: Here are some links to other perspectives on this policy. I think you’ll note a similar theme in all of them.