Four words: can't stop the signal

So, I read this item on Techdirt about the NCAA imposing seemingly draconian live blogging limitations on credentialed reporters. Then I read this thread on Slashdot discussing the situation, with all of the requisite comparisons of the NCAA to the RIAA, the MPAA, and every other "MafiAA".

The conclusion I came to is that they're both missing the point; these policies didn't spontaneously spring from the NCAA wanting to exert control over the spread of information about their events. This is the "fifth estate" desperately trying to stave off irrelevance. This is big business trying to protect their investment in broadcasting rights. This is the NCAA wanting to ensure that traditional media outlets continue to perceive these broadcasting rights as valuable, assuring the continued increase in bids for those rights.

It's all about the Benjamins. Good luck with that, NCAA....