In light of the recent developments with X, the NFL is taking a stand and choosing to continue advertising on the platform previously known as Twitter. NFL Chief Media and Business Officer Brian Rolapp has made it clear that the league will not halt their advertising partnership with Elon Musk’s social media company, despite the controversy. Rolapp expressed the importance of advertising on X, as it is a platform where fans frequently engage.
X’s policy to welcome various viewpoints without filtration raises ethical concerns for both users and advertisers. Though freedom of speech is important, there are matters of hate speech that are harmful and deemed unacceptable. The decisions made by X in relation to moderating content bring about questions regarding the appropriateness of endorsing or financially supporting the platform through advertising.
For the NFL, the affirmative stance on advertising with X brings to light broader considerations of the league’s association with the platform. The NFL is willing to continue advertising on the platform as it is frequented by a significant portion of its fans. The decision to support X by purchasing ads reflects the NFL’s continued endorsement of the platform’s approach to hate speech and controversial content.