fcc tom wheeler sinclair tribune
FCC chmn Tom Wheeler

Our Take

The FCC’s sports blackout rules, which prevent pay TV operators from airing games that are blacked out on local TV stations due to not being sold out, are “obsolete” and “have to go,” said FCC chairman Tom Wheeler in a USA Today op/ed on Tuesday. Here’s his objection to what he terms an “anti-fan practice.” (Go here for the op/ed.)

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler: “In 1975, the commission enacted rules barring cable from airing a game that has been blacked out on the local television station because it was not sold out – strengthening the NFL’s blackout policy. Today, the rules make no sense at all. That’s why today, I am sending to my fellow commissioners a proposal to get rid of the FCC’s blackout rule once and for all.

Read More at FCC

The Daily

Subscribe
Thursday–April 25

Reviews

“Franklin,” streaming on Apple TV+ , new eps Fridays. Most people will come to “Franklin” for Michael Douglas , who plays Benjamin Franklin and is an exec prod, along with heavies like former HBO

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Jun 13
2024 American Broadband Congress Conference Registration is Open!
Jun 26
2024 FAXIES Awards Nominations Are Open!
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Rob Hudgins, [email protected], for more information.