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It’s no surprise that fans hate TV and radio blackouts of games that keep them from following their teams. In fact, it is a source of constant frustration and complaints.
What is surprising is that there is legislative action afoot that aims to eliminate this. The “For the Fans” Act, designed by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) means to ensure professional sports are shown for free within local markets.
According to BroadbandBreakfast, Baldwin’s legislation was introduced “after Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice to probe NFL streaming deals in tandem with the league’s antitrust exemption in striking media deals. DOJ, according to the Wall Street Journal, has launched an investigation.”
One of two key provisions in Baldwin’s For the Fans Act would ensure that everyone in Wisconsin, for example, would have free TV access to Green Bay Packers games, home and away.
“The Packers’ [wild card] playoff game in January against the Bears [in Chicago] was solely available on Amazon Prime for five of Wisconsin’s seven media markets,” Baldwin said in a press release that voiced concern about the rising cost of TV sports.
In fact, if passed into law, the new bill would impact the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NWSL, among other leagues.
According to The Athletic, “All nationally televised games involving pro teams from a state would be made available for free statewide, via broadcasting or streaming and on a consistent channel or service."
The article continues, "This is similar to the NFL’s policy with TV partners that mandates free local access for fans of participating teams in nationally streamed games, like “Thursday Night Football” airing on Amazon Prime Video.”
“It is leveling the playing field for fans,” Baldwin told reporters at The Athletic. “Sports leagues and teams of all sizes will continue to be able to make money from advertising and media rights. We just want to have some basic ground rules to bring down costs for fans.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that similar measures have been introduced before, stating, Previous legislation called the "Go Pack Go Act" from Baldwin and Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Wied – guaranteeing Wisconsinites in out-of-state media markets can still watch Packers games – never gained momentum.
Baldwin told reporters that so far, signs are favorable. In an April 15 hearing April 15 with the Federal Trade Commission, discussion ensued about enforcing the provisions against blackouts.
Further, she noted, said FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated that the commission is already going after deceptive practices on streaming services and believed having a clear definition from Congress would help.
"I think we would have strong support from the FTC during this administration to enforce these provisions, if we're able to pass it into law," she said.
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