The NFL lobbied the FCC to keep the...

The NFL lobbied the FCC to keep the sports blackout rule, subject of a draft rulemaking notice proposing to end it (CD Nov 4 p3). The rule plus network nonduplication and syndicated exclusivity rules is “a necessary counterbalance to the compulsory copyright rule,” and it “would be unfair and unwise to get rid of these safeguards while maintaining the compulsory copyright.” That’s according to the league’s ex parte filings posted in docket 12-3 Monday and Friday on meetings with aides to commissioners Ajit Pai (http://bit.ly/I1BDO2) and Jessica Rosenworcel (http://bit.ly/1dPcWyr). “The League’s policy cannot be effectuated through private negotiations because the League lacks privity with local broadcasters and cable systems with respect to its over-the-air games,” said the filings.