NCL statement applauding FCC action on Sports Blackout Rule – National Consumers League

September 9, 2014

Contact: Ben Klein, National Consumers League, benk@nclnet.org, (202) 835-3323

Washington, DC—The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League:

Every fall, football fans across the nation run the risk of missing their favorite games because of an outdated Sports Blackout Rule that exists only to pad the bottom line of wealthy NFL team owners. Under this forty-year old rule, games can be blocked on television in local markets unless the games are sold out. The FCC should not be in the position of propping up ticket sales through an arbitrary, anti-fan rule designed for a bygone era.

Three years ago, NCL and other groups petitioned the FCC to end the Rule. Today we applaud FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler for taking the pro-consumer step of scheduling a vote to do so later this month. We urge all five Commissioners to listen to the voices public interest advocates, sports fans from across the county, academics, businesses and Members of Congress and vote to eliminate this anti-consumer rule.

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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.