Written by
WKYC Web Staff
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is encouraging Ohioans to contact the FCC during a public comment period on the Sports Blackout Rule.
The FCC is planning to reconsider the 1970s-era rule that allows leagues, such as the NFL, to black out broadcasts in local markets when a game does not sell out.
At the request of Brown, the FCC released a petition urging the agency to open the subject for public feeback. It's the first step in a long process toward possible repeal.
The rule meant that six of the eight Bengals home games in 2011 were blacked out.
"The Sports Blackout Rule is an affront to football fans from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Taxpayers own and fund NFL stadiums like Cleveland Browns Stadium. These fans should be able to watch their home team play-in the stadium they own-on basic television, regardless of whether the game sells out," Brown said.
The public comment period on the blackout rule ends February 13.
"February 13 is the deadline for sports fans to contact the FCC regarding the blackout rule. Football season may be over, but I encourage Browns and Bengals fans alike to contact the FCC and let them know how they feel about this outdated regulation, which is unfair to teams, fans, and taxpayers."
WKYC-TV