Unraveling MLB's Antitrust Dilemma and Television Shift
Baseball and Antitrust Law
1: Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act generally prohibits agreements that unreasonably restrain trade. In the case of MLB, the Supreme Court's rulings in the Federal Baseball case of 1922 and subsequent cases have created a complex web of exemptions. MLB benefits from two main antitrust exemptions. The first, established in 1922, exempted baseball from antitrust scrutiny as it was not considered interstate commerce. Despite subsequent challenges, this exemption remains in place in some areas. The second exemption, passed in 1961, exempts "football, baseball, basketball, or hockey" teams from antitrust law when selling television rights. However, this exemption has its limitations. 2: MLB's antitrust exemption has withstood many legal challenges over the years. For example, in the 2020 decision to reduce the number of minor league affiliates, four clubs sued, alleging violations of antitrust law. But they lost at the district and appellate court levels. The plaintiffs' goal was to have the case reviewed by the Supreme Court, but MLB settled the case instead.MLB's Current and Future (?) Television Structure
1: MLB teams play a large number of games, with the majority being broadcast by local television networks. While national television deals are significant, local rights are also crucial. However, the recent bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group has disrupted MLB's business model. As a result, MLB is now considering overhauling its television rights structure by selling all clubs' rights to a single network or platform. This would consolidate the distribution of MLB games and potentially increase revenue. 2: Major League Soccer (MLS) recently made a similar transition by selling all games to Apple TV. But this decision has raised questions about fan access and the value of the deal. In contrast, MLB's proposed plan may face similar challenges. For example, the New York Yankees, which receive a significant amount of revenue from their local rights, have expressed skepticism about giving up their rights.Antitrust at the Plate
1: MLB's proposed television plan presents typical antitrust concerns. Consolidating the rights into a single product could lead to higher prices and limit consumer access. While the Sports Broadcasting Act may not protect the plan, MLB may argue that its antitrust exemption protects it. However, the Nostalgic Partners case has raised doubts about the future of this exemption. 2: Even without the exemption, MLB's plan may face antitrust challenges. The NFL's experience in a similar lawsuit shows the difficulties in establishing that sports leagues' broadcast agreements are illegal. But MLB's plan may also face internal challenges, as teams like the Yankees have their own interests to consider.Dive into the NFL's Week 14 Broadcast Universe
National Broadcasts
On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers take on the Detroit Lions on Amazon Prime, with the renowned broadcasting team of Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, and Kaylee Hartung bringing the game to viewers. Sunday night sees the Los Angeles Chargers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on NBC, with Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, and Melissa Stark providing the commentary. And on Monday night, the Cincinnati Bengals battle it out with the Dallas Cowboys on ESPN, with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters at the helm.
This national broadcast lineup ensures that football fans across the country have the opportunity to witness some of the most exciting matchups of the week. The different networks bring their unique styles and expertise to the broadcasts, adding to the overall viewing experience.
CBS
The CBS network has its own set of exciting matchups. The Cleveland Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson calling the action. The New York Jets take on the Miami Dolphins, with Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins providing the play-by-play. The Jacksonville Jaguars go up against the Tennessee Titans, with Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty, and AJ Ross bringing the game to life.
The colors assigned to each game on CBS add a visual element to the broadcasts, making it easy for fans to keep track of the different matchups. Whether it's red for the Browns-Steelers game or green for the Jets-Dolphins game, the color coding enhances the viewing experience.
FOX (Early)
The early FOX games feature the Atlanta Falcons against the Minnesota Vikings, with Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, and Pam Oliver bringing the excitement. The Carolina Panthers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, and Kristina Pink providing the commentary. And the New Orleans Saints face the New York Giants, with Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, and Laura Okmin adding to the action.
The early FOX games offer a diverse range of matchups and broadcasting teams, ensuring that there is something for every football fan. Whether you're a fan of the Falcons, Vikings, Panthers, Eagles, Saints, or Giants, you can find a game to watch on FOX.
FOX (Late)
The late FOX games bring another set of thrilling matchups. The Buffalo Bills take on the Los Angeles Rams, with Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi providing the play-by-play. The Chicago Bears face the San Francisco 49ers, with Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, and Megan Olivi adding to the excitement.
The late FOX games offer a different flavor to the broadcast schedule, with some of the top teams in the NFL going head-to-head. The broadcasting teams bring their energy and expertise to the games, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
More Coverage
In addition to the main broadcast networks, there is also more coverage available. Matt Kelley/Getty Images provides additional visual elements to enhance the viewing experience, giving fans a closer look at the action on the field.
This additional coverage adds to the overall excitement of the week, allowing fans to get a more in-depth look at the games and the players. Whether it's through still images or video clips, the more coverage provides a unique perspective on the NFL.
IFTA's Board Expansion: Shaping the Future of Independent Cinema
New Executives Joining IFTA
The newly elected executives include Brian Beckmann from Arclight Films, who is set to contribute his industry knowledge and experience. Caroline Couret-Delègue of Film Seekers Limited brings a unique perspective with her. Michael Dwyer from Resurgence Media Group is a key addition, bringing his skills to the table. Michael Favelle from Odin’s Eye Entertainment is also on board, adding to the diversity of the group. Diane Ferrandez from AGC Studios and George Hamilton from Protagonist Pictures bring their respective expertise to the IFTA board. Alice Laffillé from FilmNation Entertainment and Michael Ryan from Independent complete the lineup of new executives.
This marks the first term on the IFTA Board for Dwyer, Favelle, and Laffille, indicating the fresh energy they will bring to the organization. Their contributions are expected to have a significant impact on the future of the independent film and television industry.
Top Business on the New Board
One of the key tasks facing the new board will likely be determining the location of next year's American Film Market. The event, which has traditionally been held in LA, moved to Las Vegas for the first time last month. This move has sparked some discontent among a key group of sellers and led to a sort of rebellion. The new board will need to carefully consider the implications of this change and make decisions that will benefit the industry as a whole.
As per the results of IFTA's annual elections for the 2024-2025 board, the latest members will join IFTA Chair Clay Epstein, who was first elected in 2021 and is now serving his second term. Alongside Epstein, other board members continuing into their second year of terms include Paul Bales from The Asylum, Scott Bedno from Myriad Pictures, Jason Buckley from Lakeshore Entertainment / UMG, Lisa Gutberlet from Blue Fox Entertainment, Chloé Marquet from StudioCanal, and Nat McCormick from The Exchange. These experienced professionals will work together to support the growth and vitality of the independent film and television industry worldwide.
IFTA's Ongoing Commitment
The org stated that its newly composed Board "reflects IFTA's ongoing commitment to leadership that champions the growth and vitality of the independent film and television industry worldwide." This commitment is evident in the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the new executives and board members. They will work together to address the challenges facing the industry and promote its growth.
IFTA Chair Clay Epstein expressed his welcome to the new group, stating, "I welcome this exceptional group to the IFTA Board. It’s an honor to work alongside seasoned and passionate colleagues who have shaped our work in the past, while also embracing the fresh perspectives brought by our newly elected members. Our industry faces challenging times, and the combined strength, experience, and creativity of this Board will be instrumental to our work supporting our Members and championing Independents worldwide."