LEGAL ISSUES IN SPORTS MEDIA

Presented by the
American Bar Association
Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries,
Young Lawyers Division,
Forum on Communications Law and
Center for Professional Development
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construed to be the action of the American Bar Association Forum on Entertainment and Sports
Industries, Young Lawyers Division, Forum on Communications Law or Center for Professional
Development unless adopted pursuant to the bylaws of the Association.

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© 2017 American Bar Association. All rights reserved.

This publication accompanies the audio program entitled “Legal Issues in Sports Media” broadcast on
October 3, 2017 (event code: CE1710SME).
 Legal Issues in Sports
Media
October 3, 2017

Moderator: Brandon Leopoldus, Esq., Of Counsel, Gerard Fox Law P.C.

Panelists: Josh Tarnow, Director, Business &Legal Affairs, Fox Sports
Jamil Gittens, Senior Manager, Media Affairs, NFL

Legal Issues in Sports Media

Regular Issues in Sports Media

• Many issues are unseen by the typical sports viewer.

• Issues involve employment, contractual obligations, social
media, intellectual property rights, and much more.
• Government regulations also play a role in what is
broadcast.
Legal Issues in Sports Media
Streaming and Affiliate Relationships

• Streaming rights are beginning to be more prevalent.

• Streaming adds a layer to the typical broadcaster / local
affiliate relationship.
• Many interests interplay when negotiating contracts,
especially with longer term agreements.

Legal Issues in Sports Media

Legal Interests with Advertising

• Negotiations result in a close partnership with advertisers.

• Advertisers provide the broadcasters needed revenue.
• Contracts require broadcasters provide certain rights and
often protect competitors from advertising during portions
of the same broadcast.
Legal Issues in Sports Media
24/7 News Cycle and Social Media

• Social media has been vital for on-air talent to remain

relevant.
• On-Air talent’s social media posts may result in additional
legal issues.
• The use of social media by all parties is critical, and may
also be detrimental if not used correctly.

Legal Issues in Sports Media

What Does the Future Hold?

• It’s anyone’s guess!

• Technology and viewership habits will dictate the
direction.
• Legal issues will develop that are unforeseeable today.