The NFL is looking to deepen its relationship with The Athletic, reportedly discussing a deal to include The Athletic’s content on NFL.com and NFL+ as the league tries to beef up its digital offerings. This move comes right after the NFL sold off NFL Network and other media properties to ESPN, so they definitely need new online content. It also comes after The Athletic snagged the ability to use game footage on its subscription site and video platforms just last year.
The Shadow of Past Conflicts Looms Large
Here’s where things get real murky. These talks are happening while The Athletic is, presumably, still digging into the work of its former NFL Insider, Dianna Russini. They’re trying to figure out if her reporting was tainted by an actual or apparent conflict of interest. What kind of conflict? Well, it looks like it stemmed from her apparent or actual relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Talk about an awkward timing, right?
Journalistic Standards on the Line
This whole situation shines a bright, uncomfortable light on the sky-high journalistic standards the New York Times, The Athletic’s owner, applies to its sports arm. The Athletic prides itself on actively and aggressively covering the NFL. So, how in the world does selling content directly to the league they cover , a league that pays them, effectively , square with those “sky-high” standards? It’s a huge question mark that goes right to the core of their editorial guidelines. Are they truly upholding those standards, or is this new partnership going to compromise their independence?
The talks are on, and the NFL wants to fill its digital channels. But The Athletic’s reputation and the integrity of its reporting are right there on the table, tied up with a messy past investigation. We’ll be watching to see how this plays out and if those “sky-high journalistic standards” can survive a deeper dive into the NFL’s pockets.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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