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Stop Sports Blackouts Act

2/28/2025, 3:53 AM

Summary of Bill S 328

Bill 119 s 328, also known as the "Video Programming Blackout Reform Act of 2021," aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create regulations regarding rebates for specific video programming blackouts.

Video programming blackouts occur when a television provider is unable to reach an agreement with a content provider, resulting in the temporary loss of certain channels for consumers. This bill seeks to address this issue by requiring the FCC to establish rules that would provide rebates to consumers affected by these blackouts.

The purpose of this legislation is to protect consumers from being unfairly impacted by disputes between television providers and content providers. By implementing regulations that require rebates for blackout periods, the bill aims to ensure that consumers are not financially burdened by these disputes. Overall, Bill 119 s 328 is focused on promoting fairness and consumer protection in the realm of video programming blackouts. It seeks to empower the FCC to create rules that will benefit consumers and ensure that they are not left without access to important programming during disputes between providers.

Congressional Summary of S 328

Stop Sports Blackouts Act

This 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.  

Current Status of Bill S 328

Bill S 328 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 30, 2025. Bill S 328 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 30, 2025.  Bill S 328's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of January 30, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 328

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
2
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 328

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 328

A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations with respect to rebates for certain video programming blackouts, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations with respect to rebates for certain video programming blackouts, and for other purposes.

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