Broadcasters Urge Congress to Review 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act Amid Streaming Shift

The National Association of Broadcasters is urging Congress to review the Sports Broadcasting Act to prioritize fans in the streaming age. The group opposes claims that current arrangements work well for viewers.

The 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act allowed leagues to pool broadcast rights for broad access and competitive balance. Groups like the NFL, MLB and NBA have drawn criticism for shifting games to paid streaming services. The NAB wants the law's public interest goals preserved for today's fans.

"The Sports Broadcasting Act was enacted more than 60 years ago to help ensure Americans could access live sports on free, local television. Congress could not have imagined today’s entertainment marketplace, where fans increasingly need multiple streaming subscriptions just to follow their favorite teams," NAB Vice President of Communications Carrie Healey told Fox News Digital.

Free over-the-air TV avoids subscription costs, the NAB argues. The group's antitrust exemption in the act does not cover paid streaming.

A letter from Rep. Tony Wied, R-Wis., circulated in the House this week. It asks Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to avoid changes to the act at the next hearing, possibly in June. The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, says games should stay accessible nationwide but lawmakers should disregard the streaming trend.

It praises the NFL's media policy as the most consumer-friendly. Some 87% of NFL games air on over-the-air TV to regional or national audiences. The league splits broadcast revenue equally among its 32 teams, aiding small-market clubs.

"We urge the Judiciary Committee to preserve the SBA’s core protections while maintaining appropriate oversight to ensure that the law is applied consistent with its intent to keep America’s Game thriving," the letter states.

The NAB disagrees. "As the marketplace evolves and more games move behind streaming paywalls, Congress should reexamine whether fans are still receiving the broad access and affordability the law was intended to protect," Healey said.

The group seeks review of whether exclusive streaming fits the act's public interest aims and if fragmented models serve consumers.

A March Fox News poll showed 72% of sports fans want major events free on broadcast TV.

"Constituents around the country are telling Congress that watching their favorite NFL team is expensive and confusing. Everyone agrees broadcasting agreements should benefit consumers," a Judiciary Committee spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has criticized the streaming shift. The FCC earlier this year sought public comments on moving live sports from broadcast to streaming. Carr calls it too costly and inconvenient, despite added content.

"Americans are frustrated when they sit down and can’t find the game they want to watch. And that feeling grows only worse when they realize that they might need to sign up for another streaming service to watch the game," Carr told Fox News Digital in March.

"There has long been a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between sports leagues and broadcasters, and consumers will benefit if that continues," Carr added. "I want to see Americans continue to benefit from free over-the-air sports programming."

Carr notes sports rights fund local news through station revenue. Rep. Wied’s office did not respond to comment requests.