FCC Moves to End Sports Blackouts

“We will strongly oppose any change in the rule,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Politico. “We are on pace for a historic low number of blackouts since the policy was implemented 40 years ago. While affecting very few games the past decade, the blackout rule is very important in supporting NFL stadiums and the ability of NFL clubs to sell tickets and keeping our games attractive as television programming with large crowds.”

Lawmakers routinely express outrage when a game is blacked out in their districts. Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who introduced a bill in November that would make it difficult for leagues to require blackouts, applauded the FCC’s move. “The FCC’s unanimous vote is a big victory for sports fans,” McCain said in a statement.

Once the FCC receives comments, it is likely to vote on the proposal this spring.

Article Appeared @http://www.adweek.com/news/television/fcc-moves-end-sports-blackouts-154602

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