Sports Blackout Rule Killed by FCC Over NFL Objections

[Purveyor]

By Todd Shields and Erik Matuszewski Sep 30, 2014 12:21 PM ET

The National Football League, already struggling with off-field woes, took another hit as regulators eliminated a 40-year-old federal rule enforcing television 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.”

Blackouts have drawn ire from fans and lawmakers, who have pointed out that games not being televised are played in stadiums partly financed by taxpayers. The NFL said the rule is needed to encourage stadium ticket sales.

The rule is “completely obsolete and outdated,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, told reporters on a conference call today.

more...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-30/u-s-fcc-votes-to-kill-sports-blackout-rule-over-nfl-objections.html

[El Supremo]

1. That will make Chargers fans happy.

If they even care.

[Purveyor]

2. It used to be an issue with our Lions but the last few years, they have been able

to make the numbers.

[RockaFowler]

3. Every fan in Central Florida is unhappy now

Those poor people in Orlando. They have no team, yet they are forced to watch Tampa & Jacksonville away games. Now they are going to be forced to watch Tampa & Jacksonville HOME games

[madinmaryland]

4. There can't be more than 15-20 jax fans

😃

[RockaFowler]

6. Seems like a lot

[Auggie]

5. FINALLY! Such an antiquated, dumb rule.

[Jamaal510]

7. Great.

Now I'll always get to tune in to see the Raiders get blown out at home in front of a ton of green empty seats inside that hunk of concrete they call a coliseum.