ICYMI: Baldwin’s New Bill to End Sports Blackouts, Cut Streaming Costs Draws National Attention

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ICYMI: Baldwin’s New Bill to End Sports Blackouts, Cut Streaming Costs Draws National Attention

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a new bill to stop professional sports leagues from blacking out games for fans, end the complicated web of streaming services, and cut costs for viewers across the country.

The For the Fans Act will ensure that local sports fans can watch their favorite sports team in one single location, for free. Baldwin’s new legislation comes as the evolving digital landscape has turned watching sports into a costly subscription nightmare, with fans paying thousands of dollars to watch their teams play.

https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/pre ... -attention

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Since many of the major sports are exempt from anti-monopoly laws, if a sport doesn't offer free viewing then the sport should be subject anti-monopoly laws.

[ZoWie]

Apple's monopolization of Formula One TV in the US would have caused a political crisis in most European countries. Here, it's not as big a deal, but in reality it's a blatantly monopolistic action, raising a legal issue which will have to be litigated at some point if this trend continues.

In order to see Formula One in the US, Americans have to subscribe to Apple TV, paying the monthly fee for their whole package. They must use highly proprietary Apple software and contract for a huge package of other entertainment.

Imagine if it had been the Super Bowl. NFL fans would be marching on Cupertino by now.

Contrast that to the former ESPN, which comes with most cable subscriptions. Still pay TV, but at least it's usually in basic cable. They were outbid for F1. Apple considers it a marketing opportunity.

Imagine the future, if every big-time sports league contracts with the highest bidder.

It's definitely time for legislation, before sports on TV cost as much as food and housing.