_Lawmaker Looks to Ban Exclusive Airing of Ohio State Football on Streaming Platforms_

_Lawmaker Looks to Ban Exclusive Airing of Ohio State Football on Streaming Platforms_

 

Columbus, OH – A state lawmaker is looking to introduce legislation that would ban the exclusive airing of Ohio State football games on streaming platforms.

 

Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) says he’s concerned that the growing trend of streaming platforms like ESPN+ and Peacock acquiring exclusive rights to sports events, including Ohio State football games, is leaving many fans in the dark.

 

“I’ve heard from numerous constituents who are frustrated that they can’t watch Ohio State football games on traditional TV,” Stewart said. “Many of these fans don’t have access to streaming platforms or don’t want to pay extra for them. It’s unfair to them and to the taxpayers who support Ohio State University.”

 

Stewart’s proposed legislation would require that all Ohio State football games be broadcast on traditional TV, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX, in addition to any streaming platforms that may also carry the games.

 

The move comes as more and more sports events are being shifted to streaming platforms, which can be a lucrative revenue stream for sports leagues and teams. However, it can also leave fans who don’t have access to these platforms or don’t want to pay for them feeling left out.

 

Ohio State University Athletic Director Gene Smith said in a statement that the university is committed to making its sports events accessible to all fans, but also needs to consider the financial realities of broadcasting rights.

 

“We understand the concerns of our fans and appreciate Rep. Stewart’s efforts to address this issue,” Smith said. “However, we also need to consider the financial implications of broadcasting rights and the importance of generating revenue to support our athletic programs.”

 

Stewart’s proposal is not without precedent. In 2020, the state of California passed a law requiring that all live sports events be broadcast on traditional TV in addition to any streaming platforms that may also carry the games.

 

The Ohio State University Alumni Association has come out in support of Stewart’s proposal, saying that it’s essential to ensure that all fans have access to Ohio State sports events.

 

“We believe that Ohio State sports events should be accessible to all fans, regardless of their ability to access streaming platforms,” said the association’s executive director, Jim Smith. “We support Rep. Stewart’s efforts to ensure that all Ohio State football games are broadcast on traditional TV.”

 

The proposal is still in its early stages, and it’s unclear whether it will gain traction in the state legislature. However, it’s clear that the issue of access to sports events is a pressing concern for many fans, and one that lawmakers are taking seriously.

 

“I believe that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed,” Stewart said. “I’m committed to working with Ohio State University and other stakeholders to find a solution that works for everyone.”