FCC may end sports blackouts

[Captain Morgan]

Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn is circulating a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to eliminate the Commission's nearly 40-year old sports blackout rules. Clyburn said, "Changes in the marketplace have raised questions about whether these rules are still in the public interest, particularly at a time when high ticket prices and the economy make it difficult for many sports fans to attend games."

 

She continued, "Elimination of our sports blackout rules will not prevent the sports leagues, broadcasters, and cable and satellite providers from privately negotiating agreements to black out certain sports events. Nevertheless, if the record in this proceeding shows that the rules are no longer justified, the Commission's involvement in this area should end."