U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to end the league’s policy of blacking out local TV coverage if home games do not sell out 72 hours prior to the kickoff.
This is a particular concern in Ohio, were Bengals fans are facing their sixth TV blackout in seven home games this season.
“The NFL’s blackout policy is unnecessary. The NFL is poised to earn record profits while the Cincinnati taxpayers who built the stadium will be watching reruns rather than touchdown runs. The rule is an outdated relic that doesn’t serve the NFL or the fans.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy defended the policy, saying:
“The blackout policy is very important in supporting NFL stadiums and the ability of NFL clubs to sell tickets; keeping our games attractive as television programming with large crowds; and ensuring that we can continue to keep our games on free TV. Playing in full stadiums with thousands of fans is an important part of what makes NFL football an exciting and special entertainment event, both live and on television. We have a limited number of games and do not want to erode the incentive to buy tickets. Every market receives more than 100 NFL games on free TV every year, regardless of the blackout policy.”
The NFL has blacked out 16 of 240 games this season, with 7 of those games being Bengals games, and another 4 Buccaneers games, and 2 Chargers games.
With the US economy continuing to limp along, it is more difficult for people to bring a family to a game, and pay hundreds of dollars for seats, parking, concessions, etc. The blackouts primarily affect smaller market teams, making it more difficult for franchises to be successful in small markets.
