From local stories to global events, sports bring communities together. Our nation is observing this phenomenon once again during the World Cup, as ratings show audiences tuning in with enthusiasm to watch these games on broadcast TV. On a recent episode of NAB’s AirTime podcast, we spotlighted the unique and powerful role broadcasters play in bringing sports to fans.
This week on the podcast, Fox Sports executive and “Fans Have More Friends” author Ben Valenta explains why free access to sports matters for social connection, civic engagement and community.
With sports serving as such a meaningful force for connection in our lives, families and communities, broadcasters are committed to preserving fans’ access to live games.
That’s why earlier this month, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust during a hearing examining the Sports Broadcasting Act (SBA).
More than 60 years ago, Congress established a simple bargain through the SBA. Professional sports leagues received a limited antitrust exemption to negotiate media rights collectively, and in return, fans gained broad access to games through free, over-the-air television.
For generations, that model worked.
Local broadcast television helped transform sporting events into shared national moments and community traditions. Broadcasters delivered the largest possible audiences for leagues, and the revenues generated by sports programming helped support the local news, weather and emergency coverage that communities depend on every day.
Today, however, that model is under strain.
Games from the nation’s major professional sports leagues are moving behind streaming paywalls, forcing fans to navigate a growing number of subscriptions just to follow their favorite teams. What was once widely available on free television is becoming fragmented across multiple platforms, creating confusion and increasing costs for consumers.
As LeGeyt told lawmakers, fans are paying more and receiving less.
In addition, revenue generated by live sports helps local television stations invest in trusted journalism, severe weather coverage, election reporting and public safety information. These are services that strengthen local communities and help keep Americans informed during moments that matter most.
NAB is not seeking to eliminate the SBA. Congress should reaffirm the original purpose of the law by ensuring that the antitrust protections provided under the SBA support broad public access to sports.
For generations, live sports on broadcast television has served fans, communities and the public interest. Preserving that connection should remain a priority as policymakers consider the future of sports media rights.
Learn more at nab.org/GameOn.
