House BillHR 888Science, Technology, Communications
Stop Sports Blackouts Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION JAN 31
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill addresses a widespread frustration among TV viewers: paying for a full package of channels only to lose access to some when broadcasters and providers can't agree on fees. Currently, consumers often continue to pay the same amount while being denied access to programming they expect. If this bill becomes law, it would shift some of the financial burden of these disputes from the consumer to the providers, potentially incentivizing quicker resolutions.
Voters should care because it could mean a tangible financial benefit during blackouts, ensuring they are not charged for services they don't receive. Without this bill, consumers will likely continue to bear the cost of programming disputes, enduring blackouts without any compensation for the lost content.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new rules within 90 days of the bill becoming law.
This initiates the process for federal oversight and regulation on programming blackouts.
PROVISION 02
Requires cable and satellite TV providers to issue rebates to subscribers for any period they lose access to video programming due to contract negotiations.
This directly compensates consumers for services they pay for but do not receive during blackouts.
PROVISION 03
Instructs the FCC to establish the appropriate amount for these rebates.
This ensures fairness and consistency in how customers are compensated.
PROVISION 04
Defines 'covered negotiation' to include disputes over retransmission consent for broadcast stations and carriage agreements for other video programming.
This clarifies which types of blackouts would trigger the rebate requirement, covering a broad range of common disputes.
This bill addresses a widespread frustration among TV viewers: paying for a full package of channels only to lose access to some when broadcasters and providers can't agree on fees. Currently, consumers often continue to pay the same amount while being denied access to programming they expect. If this bill becomes law, it would shift some of the financial burden of these disputes from the consumer to the providers, potentially incentivizing quicker resolutions.
Voters should care because it could mean a tangible financial benefit during blackouts, ensuring they are not charged for services they don't receive. Without this bill, consumers will likely continue to bear the cost of programming disputes, enduring blackouts without any compensation for the lost content.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create new rules within 90 days of the bill becoming law.
This initiates the process for federal oversight and regulation on programming blackouts.
high
Requires cable and satellite TV providers to issue rebates to subscribers for any period they lose access to video programming due to contract negotiations.
This directly compensates consumers for services they pay for but do not receive during blackouts.
med
Instructs the FCC to establish the appropriate amount for these rebates.
This ensures fairness and consistency in how customers are compensated.
med
Defines 'covered negotiation' to include disputes over retransmission consent for broadcast stations and carriage agreements for other video programming.
This clarifies which types of blackouts would trigger the rebate requirement, covering a broad range of common disputes.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must promulgate regulations.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Communications Act of 1934
A foundational federal law that regulates interstate and foreign communication by wire or radio in the United States.
Promulgate regulations
To formally announce or put a new law, rule, or regulation into effect.
Video programming blackout
When a television channel or programming content becomes unavailable to subscribers of a TV service, often due to contract disputes between the service provider and the channel owner.
Rebate
A partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for something.
Covered negotiation
Specific types of contract talks between TV providers and channel owners that, if they fail, lead to programming blackouts covered by this bill.
Retransmission consent
The agreement a cable or satellite TV provider must obtain from a local broadcast television station to carry its signal.
Cable operator
A company that provides television and other services over cable lines to subscribers.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 31, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 31, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
