FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION August 22, 2013 Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable Richard Blumenthal United States Senate 448 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Blumenthal: Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Sports Blackout Rule. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. The Public Notice that the Commission's Media Bureau issued last year concerning the Sports Blackout Rule generated considerable public interest. The Bureau has completed its review of the record and is preparing its recommendation for the Commission. I look forward to reviewing the recommendation and considering what action, if any, to take next. You might be aware that the NFL revised its blackout policy shortly after the period for submission of public comments in this proceeding closed. Under the new policy, NFL teams have the option of lifting blackouts in their local markets if 85 percent of game tickets have been sold. The NFL's new policy may result in fewer blackouts of sports programming. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, 445 12th Street S. W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION August 22, 2013 Mignon L. Clyburn Acting Chairwoman The Honorable John McCain United States Senate 241 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator McCain: Thank you for your letter urging the Commission to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Sports Blackout Rule. Your views are very important and will be included in the record of the proceeding and considered as part of the Commission's review. The Public Notice that the Commission's Media Bureau issued last year concerning the Sports Blackout Rule generated considerable public interest. The Bureau has completed its review of the record and is preparing its recommendation for the Commission. I look forward to reviewing the recommendation and considering what action, if any, to take next. You might be aware that the NFL revised its blackout policy shortly after the period for submission of public comments in this proceeding closed. Under the new policy, NFL teams have the option of lifting blackouts in their local markets if 85 percent of game tickets have been sold. The NFL's new policy may result in fewer blackouts of sports programming. I appreciate your interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, ~x.eu..-Mignon U. Clyburn - -1-~ 445 12th Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-1000