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. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...bc.fbn.superbowl.church.ap/index.html?cnn=yes Someone at NFL has too much power. This is ridiculous!
Did I read that right? The church is NOT going to tape it and re-run it right? They are going to just show it on a really big, big screen? Whatever.
That would do it! I think if they would have done it without charging for it they would have been all right. Sell Chocolate Martinis and show it for free like the bars do and there wouldn't be a problem.
Well, let's see....we'll put up a big projection TV, show the Super Bowl and charge admission to get in. Nope, that's an idea that never would have passed in the church Session I served on. I don't think anyone would have even seconded the motion. Some one probably would have objected, throwing in the phrase "den of thieves" at some point. Nope, never would have passed. Not the kind of thing a church is there to do. (Besides, who are you going to get to come if you don't have a keg on tap?) JMHO Snuff
The NFL is making an example of one group of folks and its shameful. There is obviously no gain from a situation like this, just the fellowship of a group who happens to like NFL football. There are countless numbers of groups that will do the very same thing. Lesson learned: Don't publicize your event on the internet.
I'm not sure how it becomes illegal unless they are rebroadcasting, retransmitting or otherwise attempting to profit from the Super Bowl. Is the NFL pulling to plug on the sports bars across the country that will draw people in to watch the game and purchase a few beers while watching? Maybe they should include in their legal disclosure statement that only NFL games can be watched at a residental address by those residing in the home and only on a family-owned TV no bigger than 35 inches.
Yeah, I know they were charging, but it was supposedly to cover the refreshments being served. Again...doesn't a sports bar sell food and alcohol under the premise that patrons can watch the game?
A sports bar does it every day, not just for the Super Bowl, whcih is where I believe they have the reason to grandfather the sports bars in in relation to that restriction.
The differences should be in the way they charge. If any group wishes to have such an event, they should have free admission and only charge those who are eating and drinking. Watched free on standard television (even one up to 60 or so inches) shouldn't incur a violation and neither should charging to eat or drink, as long as there is no charge for admission to see the game.
You know you do bring up a good point, there. tawiii. I'm not so sure how each individual church will go about it, but it certainly is something that should be handled with discernment. I've heard some of the old preachers even say in the past that a church shouldn't have a kitchen...believe it or not. That a church should be for worship and praise of the Lord only. I tend to agree somewhat, but as a congregation unites as a family, it would seem a good thing as long as care is taken. Hopefully this would at least be done in a fellowship hall. I can't imagine any church congregation allowing it in the sanctuary.
Not sure I'm comfortable with a church showing and charging but, then again, I go it on my own with sports anyway. The NFL did make a splashy example... Frogger
I was at the 96 remote at the Briar Creek Ale House and you could Not Even SAY the words "SUPER BOWL" on the air.
Of course it wasn't missed! That's just irrelevant to the fact that this is another example of Christianity under attack by the left wing media (remember the SB was on CBS). Get with it Hught, you're slipping. Funny, thing is, these guys are working on Sunday....my momma WOULD NOT approve, especially bringing such sinning up into the house.
