Astroturfing

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/08/nfl-astroturfing-convinces-10000-fans-to-support-tv-blackouts/
https://www.benton.org/headlines/nfl-suspend-tv-blackout-policy
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/09/30/fcc-eliminates-nfl-blackout-rules/16480131/
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000480822/article/nfl-suspends-local-blackout-policy-for-2015
http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/03/23/nfl-to-finally-end-local-tv-blackouts-of-poorly-attended-games/


NFL is trying to convince people that there is nothing wrong with TV blackouts and that they are trying to make fans support it. The NFL prevents games from being shown on local televisions if the games are not sold out. Former NFL player Lynn Swann submitted a 3,300 letters to the FCC supporting this rule and 10,500 fans petitioned  to keep the rule. Other people think it should be removed other wise, Ed Bienkowski wrote that, "The sports blackout rule is an antiquated rule and should be removed. The NFLs nonprofit status is over the top. They don't need the blackout rule to protect profits,” Also Spencer Carter said,“Eliminating the sports blackout rule is the true American thing to do. It's right for consumers, not for the greedy corporations!" This rule being changed is a big decision that the FCC has to make many fans aren't happy about it because they feel that they want to watch there team play and sometimes cant because they are not on television. The Astroturfing plays a part because the NFL is trying to cover up a problem that is a really big issue and the big debate around America.