Update on Broadcast Blackout Bill

[proud2BlibKansan]

This is an email from the state rep who is sponsoring this bill.

Committee Hears Broadcast Blackout Bill

H.B. 1986, the Broadcast Blackout Bill, received a hearing Tuesday afternoon in the Special Standing Committee on General Laws. Rep. Jason Holsman gave a brief presentation on the merits of the bill; explaining what a broadcast blackout is, why blackouts negatively impact taxpayers, and some of the options that the State has to help combat blackouts. Mike Darby, owner of Coach's Bar and Grill (103rd and Wornall,) drove to Jefferson City to testify in favor of the bill. Mr. Darby testified that not only do broadcast blackouts hurt local sports bars bottom line, but they also cause bar and restaurant owners to send workers home due to low customer turnout.


Jason testifies at a committee hearing.

Holsman and Darby answered questions from committee members about broadcast blackouts and how they impact the local economy. Several members were surprised to find out that cable and satellite providers also participated in the National Football League's blackout policy, and that games regularly shown on the popular NFL Sunday Ticket™ package with DirectTV® are subject to blackouts.

So far, legislators in five states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, New York, and Missouri have filed or are preparing to file bills similar to HB 1986.