Central Pennsylvania legislators are actively pushing for a change that would enable local residents to view Pittsburgh Steelers games on television more frequently.
Recent efforts by state lawmakers, Reps. Dave Madsen and Justin Fleming (both D-Dauphin) focus on improving the availability of Pittsburgh Steelers games in central Pennsylvania. The region has faced challenges with coverage due to broadcasting restrictions and regional blackouts.
The Federal Communications Commission currently permits NFL teams to define their television broadcast territories based solely on geographical boundaries. This results in the Baltimore Ravens’ owner designating Harrisburg as Ravens territory, despite the fact that Steelers fans in the area overwhelmingly support Pittsburgh.
“It’s time to put up a Steel Curtain along the Mason-Dixon Line and make sure Steelers fans get Immaculate Reception,” Madsen said. “It’s been a decade since the NFL got rid of the old blackout rules, but the secondary market rule is still denying Harrisburg-area fans the games they really want. The NFL and FCC need to listen to the consumers – give the people what they want, help our local TV stations, and pack our bars & restaurants with fans cheering on the most popular team.”
The proposed legislation seeks to address these concerns by mandating that local broadcasters extend coverage to include more Steelers games, particularly those that are not nationally televised.
The resolution has been referred to the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee.
