NFL taking fight to state capitols -- Update

When the 10-1 Dallas Cowboys faced the 10-1 Green Bay Packers two weeks ago, only subscribers to the NFL Network were able to watch the game, and most cable companies don't carry that channel. The NFL now wants to end the standoff, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed Texas lawmakers in Austin last week about "the importance of cable companies being pro-consumer." The Texas Cable Association says this isn't an issue for lawmakers to consider. That's probably correct to the point that cable companies are largely governed by the FCC.

The commissioner will be visiting with Wisconsin legislators today in Madison. The NFL might even get involved in cable companies’ franchise renewal applications, a spokesman for the NFL has said.

State lawmakers have intervened in cable content before. The Big 10 has its own network, and legislators in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin have introduced measures in those states to force that network and cable providers to negotiate by mandatory arbitration. That's the same resolution the NFL would like to see.

Local angle: As is the case with all our utilities down here, don't forget that Cable One provides cable service to both Arkansas and Texas residents. Because Cable One sits on the Texas-side of town and provides cable to Texas consumers, any action by the Texas Legislature could affect Arkansas-side consumers. Let's say the Texas Legislature directs the parties to arbitration, which Texas cable companies warn will only serve to raise cable rates. Since there is no "switch" that will only turn the NFL Network on in Texas-side households, we'll have to go along with whatever decision is made. As I often tell my constituents, what happens in Austin can be just as important as what happens in Little Rock.