The possible deal between Major League Baseball and DirecTV (DTV) has come under scrutiny as Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., has asked the FCC to look into the deal that could potentially prohibit millions from subscribing to see the games.
Kerry was sent a letter by FCC chairman Kevin Martin saying concerning the need for more information on the deal, "Once we have this information, we will report to you on the deal's implications for consumers and any recommended changes to the law to ameliorate any harm to consumers."
Kerry said that he's glad that the commission is looking into the issues saying, "It's good to know that (Martin) also has concerns about a deal that has the potential to deny choice to so many consumers -- all apparently in the interest of a short-term profit for Major League Baseball. I look forward to hearing a full response from the league and from DirecTV, and I remain open to working with them and other colleagues on any and all plans that furthers options for consumers and makes it easier for all of us to enjoy our national pastime."
The proposed deal would be called "Extra Innings" and would only be made available to people who purchase DirecTV services. Kerry has concerns that the deal would disallow approximately 50 million Americans from watching the games, or at minimum, making it much harder to do.
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