Washington, D.C.
(February 22, 2007)
-- The Federal Communications Commission has asked
DIRECTV and Major League Baseball for more information
on a proposed exclusive deal to carry out-of-market
games.
That's according to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who has criticized the proposed arrangement.
The league reportedly is close to giving DIRECTV an exclusive contract to offer 'MLB Extra Innings,' a pay package of up to 60 games each week. If approved. DIRECTV could broadcast many of the games in High-Definition.
That's according to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who has criticized the proposed arrangement.
The league reportedly is close to giving DIRECTV an exclusive contract to offer 'MLB Extra Innings,' a pay package of up to 60 games each week. If approved. DIRECTV could broadcast many of the games in High-Definition.
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However, the proposed deal has sparked outrage from Kerry and other critics who say it would deny cable viewers the opportunity to see the games. The 'Extra Innings' package has been available to cable and satellite viewers for several years.
Kerry says FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has informed him that the agency will report on how the deal would affect consumers after he gets more information from DIRECTV and MLB.
While that's a long way from the FCC intervening in the deal, Kerry said: "It's good to know that (Martin) 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."
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However, the proposed deal has sparked outrage from Kerry and other critics who say it would deny cable viewers the opportunity to see the games. The 'Extra Innings' package has been available to cable and satellite viewers for several years.
Kerry says FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has informed him that the agency will report on how the deal would affect consumers after he gets more information from DIRECTV and MLB.
While that's a long way from the FCC intervening in the deal, Kerry said: "It's good to know that (Martin) 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."
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
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Phillip Swann is president and publisher of
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Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial
Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood
Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
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