A new bill introduced by two Democratic lawmakers aims to reimburse cable customers who experience blackouts due to TV distribution contract disputes between networks and cable providers. The “Stop Sports Blackout Act” would require cable companies to offer a rebate to customers when programming is unavailable.
The bill’s supporters say it’s outrageous that millions of people are forced to watch blank screens while paying for channels they can’t access. Democrats Pat Ryan and Chris Murphy argue that the current system is unfair, with consumers stuck in the middle of negotiations between corporations.
If passed, the bill could provide a significant incentive for cable providers to prevent future blackouts. The legislation comes as President Trump continues to shake up economic policies, including imposing tariffs on North American allies and China.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/31/cable-tv-blackouts-sports-democrats-congress-bill