IOC wins Gold for Stupidity
I was simply dumbfounded by this article and this article about the IOC policy on Olympic athlete blogs. Basically their policy is that it is not allowed. They are not allowed to write about their personal experience at the games. Furthermore, they are not allowed to publish their own pictures or video even after the games are over. I’d like to know what the rational behind this policy could possibly be. Not only is it a violation of the right to free speech, (which, I guess, is not a right outside the borders of the United States) but is a dumb move overall. Apparently, the IOC is worried they will dilute the journalistic rights they sell to various news organizations and somehow lose money. With $2.2 billion contracts at stake, it seems the IOC is a little bit skiddish. Do they think that NBC’s coverage will drop to nothing as the whole planet gets their Olympic news from a few pole vaulters and archers who maintain a blog?
As I watch the games, I am much more inpired to watch the event after I’ve heard the stories behind the athletes. Moral impropriety aside, it’s a stupid business decision to squelch the voice of the athletes themselves. And by the way IOC, while your threatening to “yank credentials from athletes who are in violation as well as to impose other sanctions or take legal action for any monetary damages”, don’t forget that they are the reason we watch.
U.S. Swimmer Scott Goldblatt From Inside the Olympic Village
Audio: NPR Speaks To Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit
Non-athletes are welcome to leave a comment.
