Elimination of Sports Blackout Rule Effective Nov. 24
Elimination of the sports blackout rule is effective Nov. 24. To the extent that the NFL or any other sports league chooses to continue its private blackout policy, it no longer will be entitled to the protections of the sports…
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blackout rule, the FCC said Friday in a Federal Register notice (http://1.usa.gov/1yueyI3). The notice follows the FCC’s unanimous vote to get rid of the rule last month (see 1410010048">1410010048). The NFL and its network partners may begin more aggressive pursuit of contractual protection of their blackout rights, a broadcast attorney said. Network affiliates may see more pressure from networks not to grant any retransmission rights outside their designated market areas, the lawyer, Fletcher Heald's Dan Kirkpatrick, said in a blog post (http://bit.ly/1rtp8KB). "More far-reaching impacts could be felt if cable and satellite operators are successful in their ongoing battle to modify how the entire retransmission consent regime works."