By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-992819.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A state senator wants to end NFL television blackouts of games in the state. James Call reports, New Port Richey Senator Mike Fasano filed a bill requiring the state's three National Football teams to televise home games whether they are sold out or not.
Unable to sell all of their tickets, Dolphins, Bucs and Jaguar have kept games off TV this season. Fasano says that's it's unconscionable for teams receiving millions of tax dollars in subsidies to deny taxpayers the chance to see the hometown team on television.
"Tax dollars are paying them about a $166,000 a month for 30 years that's $60 million. In today's economy and the amount of money NFL teams are making and the NFL itself. It's time they stop the black out and put the games on television."
The NFL imposes a blackout on stations within 75 miles of a stadium if all tickets are not sold 72 hours before a game. It is the only pro league with such a policy.