Implementation of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999: Application of Network Nonduplication, Syndicated Exclusivity, and Sports Blackout Rules to Satellite Retransmissions of Broadcast Signals

Sec. 76.128 Application of sports blackout rules.

The cable and satellite sports blackout rules (Secs. 76.111 and 76.127) may apply when the sports event is not available live on any of the following television broadcast stations carried by a cable system or other MVPD: (a) Television broadcast stations within whose specified zone the community of the community unit or the community within which the sporting event is taking place is located, in whole or in part; (b) Television broadcast stations within whose Grade B contours the community of the community unit or the community within which the sporting event is taking place is located, in whole or in part; (c) Television broadcast stations licensed to other designated communities which are generally considered to be part of the same television market (Example: Burlington, Vt.-Plattsburgh, N.Y. or Cincinnati, Ohio-Newport, Ky., television markets); (d) Television broadcast stations that are significantly viewed, pursuant to Sec. 76.54, in the community unit or community within the specified zone.

Sec. 76.130 Substitutions.

Whenever, pursuant to the requirements of the network program non-duplication, syndicated program exclusivity, or sports blackout rules, a satellite carrier is required to delete a television program from retransmission to satellite subscribers within a zip code area, such satellite carrier may, consistent with this Subpart, substitute a program from any other television broadcast station for which the satellite carrier has obtained the necessary legal rights and permissions, including but not limited to copyright and retransmission consent. Programs substituted pursuant to this section may be carried to their completion.

[FR Doc. 00-29028 Filed 11-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-U