ESPN personalities (that means everyone except Chris Berman) will have to think twice before sending out that next tweet.
The network rolled out their revamped policy when it comes to social media. Some highlights:
• Think before your tweet. Understand that at all times you are representing ESPN, and Twitter (as with other social sites) offers the equivalent of a live microphone. Simple rule: If you wouldn’t say it on the air or write it in a column, don’t post it on any social network.
• Do not break news on Twitter. We want to serve fans in the social sphere, but the first priority is to ESPN news and information efforts. Public news (i.e. announced in news conferences) can be distributed without vetting. However, sourced or proprietary news must be vetted by the TV or Digital news desks. Once reported on an ESPN platform, that news can (and should) be distributed on Twitter and other social sites.
• Prior to engaging in any form of social networking dealing with sports, you must receive permission from your supervisor. Personal Web sites and blogs that contain sports content or ESPN marks are not permitted.
• At all times, exercise discretion, thoughtfulness and respect for colleagues, business associates and fans.
Don’t break news? I get there’s no “I” in team, but that seems a bit extreme, no? Good luck with that, ESPN peeps. “Big Brother” is watching.