TV Blackout Rule Repealed
Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 -- 10:59 AM
The Federal Communications Commission has voted unanimously to end the so-called "blackout rule" that has prohibited many professional sports games from being shown on television.SI.com reports that the rule, implemented in 1975, effectively said that games that didn't sell out couldn't be shown on broadcast TV, including satellite and cable providers in local markets. It was designed to ensure television broadcasts of games didn't impede on paid attendance.
The FCC had argued that the rule was outdated since broadcast and television rights fees now constitute the majority of the NFL's revenue.
Though the FCC has abolished the policy, the NFL could continue to black out games if it so chooses per its own rules.
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