Stop Sports Blackouts Act
Stop Sports Blackouts Act
Plain Language Summary
# Stop Sports Blackouts Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Stop Sports Blackouts Act would require cable and satellite TV providers to give customers refunds when they lose access to sports programming (or other channels) during contract disputes between the provider and the network. When negotiations break down and a provider temporarily drops a channel, affected customers would receive automatic rebates for the time they couldn't watch that content. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would set the rules and determine how much the rebates should be. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily impacts cable and satellite TV subscribers who lose access to channels during disputes, as well as cable and satellite companies. It could also indirectly affect sports networks and broadcasters.
Anyone with a cable or satellite subscription who has experienced a "blackout" due to provider negotiations would potentially benefit. **Current Status** The bill (S. 328) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The measure has not advanced to a vote or become law.
CRS Official Summary
Stop Sports Blackouts ActThis bill requires cable and satellite broadcast providers to issue rebates to customers who are denied access to video programming included in their subscription because of programming negotiations. Specifically, where a provider’s negotiations related to the retransmission or carriage of video programming result in the provider failing to offer access to programming included in a customer’s subscription, the customer must be issued a rebate for the affected period. The Federal Communications Commission is directed to issue rules to this effect, including to establish the appropriate amount for such a rebate.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.