NFL to change 45-second rule for rightsholders

The NFL will exempt its primary broadcast rightsholders — Fox, CBS, ESPN and NBC — from the league’s controversial 45-second rule for online video, reports the Sports Business Journal (sub. req.) “The four TV networks have argued that their rights fees — averaging more than $3 billion a year over the life of the contracts — should buy them more latitude for online video than an unaffiliated media outlet that pays the NFL nothing,” the article reads. The details of the rightholders’ rules have yet to be finalized, but game highlights will still be restricted. It’s also unclear whether NBC, CBS or Fox-owned stations will be able to take advantage of the new rules. (Thanks, Joel!)