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."
