SEC issues new guidelines for covering football games after media groups protest

SEC issues new guidelines on game coverage

ATLANTA — Responding to a protest by three leading media organizations, the Southeastern Conference has put out new guidelines for media coverage of football games.

The SEC issued another revision of its credential rules Thursday after discussions that involved commissioner Mike Slive and representatives of the Associated Press Managing Editors, Associated Press Sports Editors, the American Society of News Editors and the Radio and Television News Association.

Those groups sent a letter to the SEC last week, complaining that new guidelines would hinder coverage of games through new media outlets on the Internet.

David Tomlin, The Associated Press’ associate general counsel, says the new credential rules are “a very significant step forward” though there are provisions some outlets likely will find objectionable.