The FCC is considering dropping its nearly 40-year old rule that forces cable and satellite networks to black out local sports telecasts that local TV stations can’t air because of insufficient ticket sales.
Acting Chairman Mignon Clyburn announced the FCC’s reexamination of the rule, citing sports leagues’ ability to negotiate their own protections and a desire to give fans more choices.
“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 said in a statement.