The Furthering Access and Networks for Sports Act...
The Furthering Access and Networks for Sports Act of 2013 would “end harmful blackout threats once and for all,” said Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., on the House floor Thursday. He introduced HR-3452 earlier this week at the same time Sens.…
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Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and John McCain, R-Ariz., introduced companion legislation in the Senate (CD Nov 14 p10). The bill would end the FCC’s sports blackout rule and prevent the imposition of sports blackouts during contract disputes between broadcasters and satellite or cable providers. Higgins cited the threat of blackouts in his home state, in which “Buffalo fans will not be able to see their NFL team on television.” The House bill has no cosponsors listed and is referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Dish lauded the legislation Thursday, focusing on the Senate version in its statement. “Sports fans should not get dragged into retransmission consent disputes,” said Dish Deputy General Counsel Jeffrey Blum.