Senators introduce bill to end sports blackouts

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Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John McCain (R-AZ) introduced a bill that would end sports blackouts. Sen. McCain said the bill targets “archaic blackout policies and regulations that hurt sports fans around the country.”

Currently, sports leagues -- most notably the National Football League -- can prohibit broadcasters from showing a game if the stadium has not sold enough tickets to that game. The Federal Communications Commission then prohibits other TV companies, like cable and satellite providers, from showing that game. The FCC announced earlier in November 2013 that it is considering ending its sports blackout rules, but leagues would still be able to negotiate blackouts with TV companies directly. The bill from Sens. Blumenthal and McCain -- the Furthering Access and Networks for Sports (FANS) Act -- would eliminate those FCC rules and require that sports leagues make games available online, either for a fee or for free, if they're not available on TV. “While the FCC'S announcement last week that it would consider changes to the sports blackout rule is encouraging -- and something we've urged in the past -- legislation is still needed to improve this regulatory framework,” Sen. McCain said. Additionally the bill would prevent broadcasters from using sports blackouts as a bargaining chip during contracting disputes with cable and satellite providers. “Special breaks should be stopped for professional sports leagues that impose anti-consumer blackout policies leaving their fans in the dark,” Sen. Blumenthal said.


Senators introduce bill to end sports blackouts Update: Sports Blackout Bill Introduced (B&C)