Out of the Dark? DuPuy Talks Lifting Blackout Restrictions

With 2009 fast approaching, and with it the launch of the MLB Network, Jeff Passan is reporting that (praise be) MLB may be lifting the lion’s share of blackout restrictions at the local/regional level. While there is not a collective voice (yet) from the owners, MLB COO Bob DuPuy said he is vastly in favor of lifting the restrictions after hearing the cries from fans subscribed to MLB Extra Innings or MLB.TV. As reported by Passan on Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-blackouts080708 prov=yhoo type=lgns): At the owners’ meetings Wednesday, DuPuy said he will propose that if a team is not broadcasting in a geographic location for at least one season, it loses the right to black out games in that area. Gone would be the blackouts that prevent folks in Iowa and Las Vegas from seeing as many as six games each night and have caused viewing havoc throughout the country.“I see no reason why there ought to be so many clubs able to black out in those ...