Lautenberg Calls on NFL to Allow Rutgers Bowl Game to Be Broadcast on Local Television

Lautenberg Calls on NFL to Allow Rutgers Bowl Game to Be Broadcast on Local Television

In an effort to make sure every single Rutgers fan in New Jersey will be able to watch the Scarlet Knights play in the Texas Bowl later this month, United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over cable and broadcast television, urged the National Football League (NFL) - which owns the television rights to the bowl game - to allow the game to be shown on local broadcast television in New Jersey.

"Rutgers fans should be able to watch Rutgers play in their bowl game - period," said Senator Lautenberg. "The fans should not be used as a bargaining chip in the dispute between the NFL Network and cable companies. The bottom line is that the NFL Network should allow the game to be shown on local broadcast television in New Jersey."

The National Football League (NFL) has its own network called the NFL Network. This year, the NFL Network is showing eight NFL games on Thursdays and Saturdays. In addition, the NFL Network has picked up the exclusive television rights to two college bowl games, the Insight Bowl and the Texas Bowl. Rutgers will be playing in the Texas Bowl on December 28th.

The NFL Network has deals with satellite companies and some cable companies, but is currently in disputes with other large cable companies, including those in New Jersey, who do not carry the NFL Network. A majority of New Jerseyans cannot watch the NFL Network, including all Cablevision and Time Warner customers, as well as many Comcast customers.

"Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, will play in the Texas Bowl on December 28, 2006. As you know, the National Football League (NFL) Network holds the television rights for the game. Because a majority of New Jerseyans - even most who pay for cable service - cannot watch the NFL Network, I urge you to permit this game to be shown on local broadcast television in New Jersey," wrote Lautenberg to NFL officials.

A copy of Lautenberg's letter to the NFL is attached to this release:

December 6, 2006

Mr. Roger Goodell Commissioner National Football League 280 Park Avenue New York, New York 10017

Mr. Steve Bornstein President and CEO NFL Network 280 Park Avenue New York, New York 10017

Dear Commissioner Goodell and Mr. Bornstein:

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, will play in the Texas Bowl on December 28, 2006. As you know, the National Football League (NFL) Network holds the television rights for the game. Because a majority of New Jerseyans - even most who pay for cable service - cannot watch the NFL Network, I urge you to permit this game to be shown on local broadcast television in New Jersey.

The NFL has a policy that fans should be able to watch their local teams over-the-air on broadcast television. Accordingly, it is my understanding that the eight NFL games that will be shown on the NFL Network this year will also be aired on local broadcasts in the teams' home areas. I would ask the NFL to apply this policy to the Texas Bowl as well, to ensure that Rutgers fans get to see their team.

I recognize that the NFL Network is in a commercial dispute with major cable operators in New Jersey and others nationwide. I do not wish to intervene in that dispute, and I hope the two sides can reach an agreement soon. But Rutgers fans and the people of New Jersey do not deserve to be punished or used as a bargaining chip in that dispute. I urge you to allow the people of New Jersey to watch their State University on local broadcast television on December 28th.

Sincerely,

Frank R. Lautenberg U.S. Senate

http://lautenberg.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=266443&