Kerry Gets Promise from FCC to Investigate MLB-DirectTV Deal
FCC Chairman gives Baseball 30 day deadline for report
WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) announced today that he has received a commitment from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete a full investigation of a proposed $700 million television deal that could deny many consumers the ability to watch their favorite teams. Under the terms of the proposed deal, Major League Baseball’s “Extra Innings” package would only be available to people with DirectTV – potentially affecting as many as 50 million American viewers by making it hard or even impossible for them to subscribe to the service. Kerry first raised questions about the deal earlier this month, after hearing complaints from many fans who were concerned that they would suffer if the deal went through.
The promise for the investigation came from FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, in a letter to Kerry that was received today.
“This is great news and I appreciate the quick response from Chairman Martin,” Kerry said today. “It’s good to know that he also has concerns about a deal that has the potential to deny choice to so many consumers – all apparently in the interest of a short-term profit for Major League Baseball. I look forward to hearing a full response from the league and from DirectTV, and I remain open to working with them and other colleagues on any and all plans that further options for consumers and make it easier for all of us to enjoy our national pastime.”
In his letter to Kerry, Martin wrote, “I share your concern regarding this proposed deal,” and promised that once the FCC received a full briefing on the deal, it would report on “the implications for consumers and any recommended changes to the law to ameliorate any harms to consumers.”
The FCC response is attached to this email.
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