Bill Would Ban Sports Blackouts

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) — Poor attendance at local sporting events would not allow professional franchises to black out games if the team or the league receives any money from the state under a measure filed Friday by a Tampa Bay area lawmaker. The measure, SB 836, by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, would place a $125,000 fine for each violation. The NFL blacks out games not sold out 72 hours prior to kick-off. They are typically not available for non-subscription network broadcasts, usually within a 75-mile radius. Baseball’s blackout policy generally gives precedence to local television and radio stations. Proceeds from the fines would be earmarked to buy tickets for foster children or other non-profit organizations working with kids. Florida has been paying subsidies to professional sports franchises since 1991. “The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.”

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Bill Would Ban Sports Blackouts