With Blackouts Approaching the End Zone, Congressman Higgins and Senators McCain, Blumenthal, Brown, Harkin and Booker Press the FCC to Carry the Ball

Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), and Senators John McCain (R - AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Thomas Wheeler regarding the Sports Blackout Rule, an FCC rule which prohibits cable and satellite television providers from showing a National Football League (NFL) game in its home market if it is not sold out 72 hours prior to its start time. Noting that the economics of the sport have changed since the rule's adoption 40 years ago, they urged final approval to eliminate the rule at the FCC's next scheduled meeting on September 30.

"We are at third and goal and must move forward to win this one for the fans." said Congressman Higgins. "The blackout rule is no longer justified and it's unfair to fans who contribute to teams financially through the purchase of merchandise and tickets as well as their taxpayer dollars."

"For more than a year, we have urged the FCC to step up for sports fans and spike the antiquated TV blackout rule," said Senator McCain. "We applaud Chairman Wheeler for his leadership, and hope the FCC will follow through with a strong, bipartisan vote later this month."

"The sports blackout rule unfairly harms consumers by punishing fans in cities with large stadiums and declining populations," said Senator Blumenthal. "I applaud the FCC's decision to remove this outdated rule, which is longer justified by the facts or simple logic, and blocks fans from watching their favorite teams."

"It's time for the FCC to get off the sidelines and end this outdated policy," Brown said. "This antiquated rule is unfair to teams, fans, and taxpayers alike. Fans' ability to support their local team should not depend on ticket sales. We know that the construction and upkeep of stadium is often funded through tax dollars, yet often times these same fans can't event support their home team. Enough is enough."

"Fans should be able to access the games they love without fear of missing a game due to unnecessary blackouts," said Sen. Booker. "As we continue to move into the 2014 football season, I applaud Chairman Wheeler's decision to move forward in eliminating this outdated and unnecessary policy."

NFL fans have been faced with 35 blackouts of local games since the 2011 season, including 2 blackouts this year, just weeks into the 2014 season.

FCC Chairman Wheeler has scheduled a vote on the blackout rule for their meeting on September 30th and Commissioner Ajit Pai has publicly confirmed his support for repeal of the blackout rule. The NFL and television networks have the final decision to end blackouts but Higgins, McCain, Blumenthal, Brown, Harkin and Booker have long advocated that it is time for Federal rules to stop supporting this unfair policy.