Kerry to Question FCC Chairman Over Direct TV-Major League Baseball Deal

[TayTay]

Kerry to Question FCC Chairman Over Direct TV-Major League Baseball Deal

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator John Kerry said today that he intends to seek answers from the FCC about a pending DirectTV deal that could make it harder for baseball fans to watch their favorite teams. The issue centers on a plan to shift the “Extra Innings” baseball package to DirectTV as part of a $700 million exclusive deal. According to recent press reports, during the last five years, the Extra Innings package has been available to 75 million people. If the deal goes through, the baseball package will be available to the 15 million people who have DirectTV.

“I am opposed to anything that deprives people of reasonable choices. In this day and age, consumers should have more choices – not fewer. I’d like to know how this serves the public - a deal which will force fans to subscribe to DirectTV in order to tune in to their favorite players. A Red Sox fan ought to be able to watch their team without having to switch to DirectTV,” said Kerry.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Kevin Martin, is a witness at a hearing tomorrow of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Kerry is a member of the committee.

Nobody, but nobody, screws around with Red Sox coverage. This is an outrage. Senator, save the Red Sox. OMFG!

What a month this has been. I need a vacation. How can they even think of taking the Red Sox off cable? I'm gonna go crawl somewhere and die. I think this also means that the Yankees get saved as well, but, that's not your fault.(BTW, Senator, thanks!)

[rox63]

1. The man knows how to take care of his constituents!

Anything that would deprive New Englanders of their Red Sox games must be stopped ASAP. :)

[karynnj]

2. Now this would be the best issue in America

If he saves baseball - maybe all will be forgiven? I wish I were joking - I know that my husband would react as you did - only he likes the Mets.

[sandnsea]

3. LOL, he's got his priorities straight!!

I kid. I don't know about cable because we always have satellite, and we get the one that has the football package specifically for football. If they moved it to the other satellite, it would be outrageous. I think they should be required to put that paid package on all cable and satellite, same with the Olympics and other events the greater public likes to watch. I think boxing makes sure their fights are available on everything.

[fedupinBushcountry]

4. Just got a call from my son

who is a huge baseball fan, and all sports per say. He told me that this issue is all over the sports stations and in a huge positive light about JK and this deal. My son gives JK a :thumbsup: and so do all his friends, especially his one friend who is a huge Red Sox fan and who has the baseball package on cable right now.

[wisteria]

5. Cool! Not being into sports watching, this is nice to hear! n/t

[_dynamicdems]

6. LOL! I'm glad he's fighting against the monopoly even if I happen to already have....

DirectTV.