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Does NFL 'blackout' rule make economic sense?

U-T EconoMeter

Roger Showley, U-T SAN DIEGO

Friday, October 19, 2012

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Kelly Cunningham, National University System
Answer: NO

It seems a very poor marketing and public relations strategy to attempt to coerce the public into purchasing every last seat to a game, especially considering the public already subsidizes a large part of stadium costs. This especially does not make sense with the considerable amount of advertising revenue the NFL makes by broadcasting games. Withholding broadcasts from those most interested in the local product is obviously not the way to maintain interest and good will. Putting a better team on the field and ensuring a more enjoyable experience at the event is a much better way to attract attendance to games.