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An End to MLB.TV Blackouts

First, let me apologize: this is going to be something of a hit and run diary Fanpost. Also, it's going to be a copy/pasted Fanpost from Athletics Nation, where I originally posted it.

You see, I'm an A's fan. You're not. But if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's this: Major League Baseball's MLB.TV blackout policy is ludicrous, and needs to end now.

I've created an online petition directed at Commissioner Bud Selig (whose office is responsible for such things) asking him to reconsider, re-work, revoke, and/or otherwise abolish the tyranny that is MLB.TV blackouts.

Below is the text of the petition. You can help get the word out by sending the link to the petition to friends and family and posting a link on your blogs and favorite forums. Oh, and sign it!


Sign the petition: End MLB.TV Blackouts

The text:

End MLB.TV Blackouts

Target: Major League Baseball, Office of the Commissioner

Dear Commissioner Selig:

We, the undersigned baseball fans, request that you consider an immediate end to Major League Baseball's blackout policy with regard to games broadcast on MLB.TV.

There are endless reasons why current blackout restrictions are bad for fans, and bad for the game of baseball.

First and foremost, many of us are unable to enjoy watching the teams we love, even after paying $89.99 to $119.95 for use of the service, simply because we live in or are using the internet in the wrong zip code. If a fan is in Minnesota, he can't watch Twins games. If another is in Phoenix, she can't watch Diamondbacks games. How does this make any sense?

Some of us don't have cable television. Some of us want to watch games where there is no television, like in a workplace breakroom, or a school cafeteria, or a neighborhood cafe. Some of us are unfortunate enough to be in a zip code where blackout rules apply to multiple teams, sometimes as many as six. This is patently ridiculous. Why is it so difficult to get Major League Baseball to accept our money in return for showing us the games we want to see?

Disallowing paying customers the ability to watch their favorite teams wherever they are or whenever they can does harm to baseball, both in retaining current fans and attracting new ones. The current blackout policy is arcane, and serves absolutely no one's interests: not the game's, not the teams', not the broadcasters' of the games, not MLB.TV's, and certainly not the fans'.

Please consider abolishing the blackout policy as soon as possible and begin taking steps immediately that will make that outcome possible. Let us watch the game we love.

We thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Thanks for reading, and signing, friends at LSB. Have a great season!

5 recs | Comment 14 comments

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This completes my road trip through the SBNation AL West

If we can get a little momentum going, I'll gladly go spread the word to the rest of SB-MLB. Thanks for your comments, recs, and signatures!

"If you could fart into a kind of microprocessing funnel, and the funnel poured the fart into a computer, which converted the fart into words, this is what it would look like." - Ken Tremendous, FJM

by HigherPie on Mar 28, 2008 11:21 AM CDT   0 recs

Good onya

But I'm not optimistic.

One other thing. Has anyone ever told you have a passing resemblance to Doogie Howser?

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Mar 28, 2008 11:42 AM CDT   0 recs

No.

No one has ever told me that. And I'm very much wishing that you hadn't either.

And I'm never optimistic about MLB doing anything that makes sense, but like I told the crew at Lookout Landing, I'm young (like Doogie), and still optimistic.

"If you could fart into a kind of microprocessing funnel, and the funnel poured the fart into a computer, which converted the fart into words, this is what it would look like." - Ken Tremendous, FJM

by HigherPie on Mar 28, 2008 11:48 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Is it possible

that the blackout may have more to do with the local station (or cable channel) producing the telecast. That has to be wrong, but there is no other explanation to the black out rule.

What stops us from using a fake address and zip to get around the blackout? I haven't tried this, has anyone else?

by RingoRanger on Mar 28, 2008 11:52 AM CDT   0 recs

As an mlb.tv user...

they take your zip from your billing address on your credit card. So unless you can set up a credit card account somewhere outside of Texas, you're not getting Rangers games.

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Mar 28, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

There are ways around the blackouts

and they're easy to find using Google.

But my position is that I shouldn't have to lie, cheat, and steal my way into watching an A's game.

As far as broadcasters go, MLB should be able to easily work out a deal with them. More people watching = more people looking at commercials = more revenue for everyone.

"If you could fart into a kind of microprocessing funnel, and the funnel poured the fart into a computer, which converted the fart into words, this is what it would look like." - Ken Tremendous, FJM

by HigherPie on Mar 28, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

I dislike blackouts but the one I really hate is Fox's exclusive rights. I assume that Fox paid a premium for the right, but MLB needs to quit providing it. I don't want to watch Dodgers/Braves. If I'm in the mood to watch afternoon baseball, I'd prefer to use my mlb package (that I paid for) and decide for myself.

Oh well, at least it gives me no choice but to go outside on a Saturday afternoon.

What happened to my old signature?

by WyoRanger on Mar 28, 2008 12:04 PM CDT   0 recs

Another thing we can all agree on.

"If you could fart into a kind of microprocessing funnel, and the funnel poured the fart into a computer, which converted the fart into words, this is what it would look like." - Ken Tremendous, FJM

by HigherPie on Mar 28, 2008 12:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

At least Bonds isn't playing

I was sick and tired of watching the Giants - easily the most boring team in baseball - play week-in, week-out on Saturday afternoons as well as half of ESPN's games.

I'm not affected by the blackout issue most of the time, since I live in Cali (the one advantage of liking an out of town team in a different league). But the Saturday games (and ESPN Sunday night games that Texas often goes up against) bugs me.

by JBImaknee on Mar 28, 2008 12:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Nice try

but I'm not optimistic this will move things along. I signed and I hope a ton of fans do. Why don't you forward this to someone like Aaron Gleeman and/or Dave Pinto? Lots more readers there.

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Mar 28, 2008 1:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Good call, and will do.

Thanks!

"If you could fart into a kind of microprocessing funnel, and the funnel poured the fart into a computer, which converted the fart into words, this is what it would look like." - Ken Tremendous, FJM

by HigherPie on Mar 28, 2008 1:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good luck.

I've been bitching about these rules for a long time. Nothing worse than getting online to watch and A's/Rangers game in Arlington and it's blacked out (I live just outside of Oakland) and the local station isn't carrying the game either. Now that just doesn't make sense.

by SteveP on Mar 28, 2008 7:05 PM CDT   0 recs

and btw

I can't see mlb doing anything for the fans unless it pads their bottom line.

by SteveP on Mar 28, 2008 7:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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