Overview
- Fox and Sinclair filed formal comments urging the FCC to keep high‑profile sports on free, over‑the‑air TV as more games shift to paid streaming platforms.
- The broadcasters argue Big Tech can use sports as a loss leader tied to data‑driven services, which could raise costs and restrict access for many fans.
- Fox warned that viewers could lose free broadcasts of marquee events such as the World Series, NFL games on Thanksgiving, or the Olympics if rights keep moving behind paywalls.
- Sinclair said losing premium games would drain the ad revenue that helps pay for local newsroom staff and daily reporting on community issues.
- The FCC is reviewing whether the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act, which lets leagues pool and sell team TV rights, still fits exclusive streaming deals as many events now require standalone subscriptions.