So, why is it that NHL has a Periscope account of its own, yet bans its fans from using the platform during games?
Earlier today, NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly stated:
“Without limiting the generality of the credential language, any streaming of footage in violation of the NHL’s Broadcast Guidelines (including, for example, live-streaming inside the arena less than 30 minutes before the start of the game) and Media Access Policy is expressly prohibited.”
(Mangalidan, 2015)
They’ve made a fair point. Use of livestreaming apps will decrease the number of viewers on their account before, during, and after games. As stated in a Mashable article, the opportunities to use this platform for “behind-the scene” cuts is endless (i.e. interviews, warm-ups, etc) (Mangalidan, 2015).
With thousands of fans at hockey games, how much will the NHL really be able to control? To me, it’s similar to music piracy. Sure, you can have laws in place, but at the end of the day it’s hard to control. If fans have an opportunity, I’m sure they’ll live-stream as much as they can.
The fines have not yet been set, thus it’s too early to say what fans will and will not do. Also, because video-streaming kills your data, users will have to rely on a wifi connection. Thus, making it more difficult for them to live-stream at outdoor events (with no wifi).
Included below is an image of NBC using Periscope.
NBC Using Periscope
(Kiss & Haynes, 2015)
If not hockey and/or other sporting events, we’re definitely expecting to see a lot more news reporters using the live video-streaming apps as it’ll offer viewers a greater opportunity for engagement.
Do you think banning Periscope and Meerkat will be enough to prevent users from live video-streaming?
References:
Kiss, J., & Haynes, J. (2015, April 3). Periscope up! Twitter’s live-streaming app is exciting us, but here’s how it could be better. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/03/periscope-twitter-live-streaming-app-how-it-could-be-better
Mangalidan, J. (2015, April 22). Periscope and Meerkat officially banned by the NHL. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from Mashable: http://mashable.com/2015/04/22/periscope-meerkat-banned-nhl/
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