Acting Federal Communications Commission chairwoman Mignon L. Clyburn sent out a proposal today to dismantle the commission's rule that requires sporting events to be blacked out under certain conditions. She notes in a statement to the press that "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." Source: theverge.com 86WARD's Take: It would be nice if the FCC could eliminate these rules altogether...but they can't stop the private agreements from being negotiated...
That blackout rule has to be one of the dumbest rules Goodell has ever put in place. I'm sure Goodell will be laughing deep inside at the FCC's efforts to end the black out rule.
Goodell didn't put that rule into effect. That's been around since the early 70's...however, it does seem like something Goodell would do...lol.
I thinks thats a good case for why it shouldn't be in effect. Why should the fans be punished who want to watch this game? The base who wants to see this game is mostly local, and they have already paid the money (to advertisers) but either can't afford or can't see the value in spending more money to see the game live. Why should they be punished? The NFL already has that customers money via the TV contracts.
BINGO! Not everyone can afford to go to the stadium and watch a game because ticket prices are a lot higher than they where years and years ago. So that makes TV the next best place to watch the game. I would go crazy if the Bears where ever blacked out.
If the station is within FCC jurisdiction, private agreements wouldn't matter. Not sure if ESPN or NFL Network would be affected, but I've never heard of a blackout on either.
Relax!!! Just kidding about the crappy product on the field. Fans are entitled 24/7 esp in light of the fact that their bond or tax money goes into building or refurbing the stadiums. Next time I'll preface the comment.
