Media access is going to become a much bigger issue in sports.

Media access is going to become a much bigger issue in sports.

The Titans/Jared Stillman situation is just the latest example. Access is not a right. Unless you're a rights holder, you're there at the discretion of the team.

But defining a broadcaster by whether they work for a radio or TV station feels outdated in 2026.

YouTube is distribution. Podcasts are distribution. Social is distribution. The lines between reporters, broadcasters and creators are disappearing.

Which means teams are increasingly going to ask:

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

If I'm giving you valuable access that helps grow your audience and your business, what value are you creating for mine?

Influencers get free tickets to create FOMO and drive interest.

Rights holders PAY for access and distribution rights.

Traditional media historically provided reach and awareness.

But especially for an NFL team, is that enough anymore?

As reporters and creators move closer together, who gets access, why they get it and what they provide in return is going to become a much bigger conversation.