Trumka to Wheeler: keep TV sports blackout rule

For 40 years, the FCC has enforced a rule keeping cable and satellite firms from airing pro football games that have failed to fill their local stadiums. The rule is aimed at increasing ticket sales.

Recently the FCC proposed doing away with the rule. In response, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka wrote to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler urging retention of the rule. “Eliminating the Sports Blackout Rule,” wrote Trumka, “would have a significant negative impact, not only on union members, but also on sports fans, local communities, and the public at large.”

President Trumka writes, robust attendance is “... critically important to NFL players, since a percentage of stadium revenue goes to players’ salaries,” and “... professional football games also generates economic activity and supports thousands of businesses and jobs throughout the country.”

As for the public in general, “Many working people throughout the country, including our members, also benefit it when NFL games sell out and are shown on free over-the-air television.”

The FCC may vote on the rule as early as next month.

Trumka letter to FCC re: Sports Blackout Rule (FCC, Aug. 26, 2014)