Letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin
Kerry Asks FCC to Probe DirectTV "Extra Innings" Deal
Today, Sen. John Kerry sent the following letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, asking him to review a pending business agreement between DirectTV and Major League Baseball, concerning its "Extra Innings" game package.
Below is the text of the letter:
The Honorable Kevin Martin Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Martin:
I write regarding the pending agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and DirectTV to offer MLB's "Extra Innings" package of out-of-market baseball games exclusively to DirectTV subscribers. I have serious concerns regarding this deal that I ask you to address.
As you know, Extra Innings is currently available to 75 million subscribers through cable as well as DirectTV and the Dish Network. However, if this exclusive deal is approved, only 15 million DirectTV subscribers will be able to purchase Extra Innings, leaving 50 million Americans without access to out-of-market games that they currently enjoy and a viable alternative to view them.
This deal, by definition, reduces consumer choice and competition in the media market. Fans who want to purchase Extra Innings will be forced to pay whatever DirectTV charges, and those who cannot subscribe to DirectTV, like some apartment building residents, will have no option at all.
In short, MLB and DirectTV will pocket millions of dollars at the expense of millions of American consumers and real competition in the marketplace.
Many baseball teams have a dedicated national fan base. In the case of my hometown team, Red Sox Nation stretches all across our country from coast to coast. I am concerned that this deal, and others that may follow, will separate fans from their favorite teams and reduce competition in the sports market. I therefore request that you investigate this exclusive deal and report to Congress on its implications for consumers and recommend any changes to law or regulation that will ameliorate its negative effects.
Sincerely,
Senator John Kerry
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=268475