FCC Launches Sports Broadcast Inquiry

The FCC has issued a public notice asking for comments on the current sports video programming distribution landscape, citing consumer frustration with the number of video platforms now required to watch live sports or select teams and the paywalls preventing access without subscriptions.

According to the notice, “many sporting events that were previously available through free broadcast and traditional pay TV packages are now only available through a myriad of stand-alone subscription streaming services. This shift has led to notable frustration among many consumers and sports fans” who must navigate a “fragmented ecosystem” that requires “multiple subscriptions to watch live sports programming or their favorite teams.”

The notice asks for comment on the extent current sports media rights contracts conflict with or impede broadcasters from meeting their public interest obligations and how the arrangements should be considered in the context of broadcasters’ public interest obligations.  The “public interest” continues to be a major theme for Chairman Carr as he attempts to restore an emphasis on and prioritization of service to local communities and viewers.