Oct
01
NFL Objects to FCC's Decision to Kill Sports Blackout Rule
Posted in: Uncategorized
The National Football League, already struggling with off-field woes, took another hit as regulators eliminated a 40-year-old federal rule enforcing TV blackouts of games when stadiums don’t sell out.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted 5-0 to end the government’s ban on cable and satellite providers showing games in markets that lack a sellout, and aren’t shown on local TV because of an agreement between leagues and sports teams. The NFL still could enforce blackouts through contracts with over-the-air broadcasters.
“The federal government should not be party to sports teams keeping their fans from viewing the game,” said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. “Period.”
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