Lotta blackout stuff in the news today...
-Bill
WASHINGTON -- Fans of the Buffalo Bills and other teams frequently subjected to television blackout rules soon may get a reprieve -- and critics of the rules are encouraging fans to make their voices heard in support of changes in a longtime federal policy that prevents satellite and cable broadcasters from airing games that are not sold out.
Doing so could make a difference as the Federal Communications Commission considers altering or eliminating its four-decade-old blackout rules, said Brian Frederick, executive director of the Sports Fans Coalition.
"For the next month, fans will have the opportunity to speak up about blackouts and actually be heard," Frederick said on his organization's website this week.
Doing so could make a difference as the Federal Communications Commission considers altering or eliminating its four-decade-old blackout rules, said Brian Frederick, executive director of the Sports Fans Coalition.
"For the next month, fans will have the opportunity to speak up about blackouts and actually be heard," Frederick said on his organization's website this week.
Higgins encouraged fans to comment on the blackout rule to the FCC electronically at fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2.
Alternatively, letters can be sent to:
Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
The FCC is seeking comments through Feb. 13 -- and the NFL and other sports leagues are sure to oppose any changes.
Last summer, the NFL told the FCC in a filing that changes "would gut the purpose of the rule and create perverse incentives for (cable and satellite TV providers) to engage in brinkmanship tactics in order to take advantage of the proposed exception to the sports blackout rule."
Alternatively, letters can be sent to:
Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
The FCC is seeking comments through Feb. 13 -- and the NFL and other sports leagues are sure to oppose any changes.
Last summer, the NFL told the FCC in a filing that changes "would gut the purpose of the rule and create perverse incentives for (cable and satellite TV providers) to engage in brinkmanship tactics in order to take advantage of the proposed exception to the sports blackout rule."
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