Requires every entity responsible for the broadcast rights of a sports team which is part of a national or international professional sports league to ensure that every publicly broadcast game played by such sports team which is played in a facility that is benefitting or has benefitted from state funds, tax subsidies, eminent domain, or another valuable benefit that was made at a cost to the state, shall be made available to view at no cost within the county such facility is situated in and its adjoining counties.
Summary
Bill A06968 seeks to amend the general business law to mandate that local professional sports broadcasts be made available at no cost to residents within specific geographic areas. The bill stipulates that any sports team that plays in a facility benefiting from state funds or other valuable state resources must ensure that its games are accessible for free to households in the county of the facility and adjoining counties. If the team is affiliated with New York but plays outside the state, the bill extends this requirement to counties in New York with populations over one million.
Impact
The passage of this bill would significantly alter the broadcasting landscape for professional sports in New York. It would require entities holding broadcast rights to provide free access to games, potentially affecting revenue models for sports leagues and broadcasters. The bill aims to enhance public access to local sports, particularly in communities that have financially supported the facilities through state funds or subsidies. This could lead to increased viewership and community engagement with local teams.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill A06968 appears to be mixed based on preliminary discussions. Proponents argue that it promotes fairness and public access to sports, especially in communities that have invested in the facilities. However, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for broadcasters and the potential impact on the sports industry’s revenue streams, which could lead to pushback from those stakeholders.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the financial viability of requiring free broadcasts and the implications for sports leagues and broadcasters who rely on subscription models for revenue. Supporters of the bill emphasize the importance of community access to local sports, while opponents raise concerns about the potential loss of revenue for broadcasters and the feasibility of providing high-quality broadcasts at no cost.
Provides that no advertisement by or on behalf of a mobile sports wagering licensee shall be publicly disseminated during the broadcast of any live sporting event.
Makes supplemental appropriation of $5 million from General Fund to entity authorized to operate public broadcasting system to support public broadcasting.
Requires in every shopping center or facility that has over one hundred off street parking spaces that at least one percent of the spaces, or five such spaces, whichever is less, shall be a handicapped parking space equipped with an electric vehicle charging station.
No Propaganda ActThis bill prohibits federal funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and rescinds certain funds that were provided to the corporation. (The corporation is a congressionally created nonprofit that supports local public television and radio broadcasting.)
Enacting the Kansas sports authority act to establish a sports authority to provide for the construction, financing and management of certain sports facilities and sports facility infrastructure and create venues for professional sports and other events.
Honoring the life of Bob Law, pioneering Black radio broadcaster, and his incredible service to Broadcasting, Journalism and the communities of New York