Indiana Lawmaker Pushes to End Indy 500 TV Blackout

State Rep. Ethan Manning wants to end the Indianapolis 500 TV blackout. Many Hoosiers cannot watch the race live at home on TV due to this rule. However, you have been able to listen to the race on WIBC since the late 1930’s.

Manning proposed changes to House Bill 1001. His amendments define a media blackout as any restriction on TV or streaming for motorsport events with at least 100,000 spectators. House Bill 1001 is mainly about Indiana’s state budget. Earlier this month, it passed through the House Ways and Means Committee with changes.

Tying Public Funds to the Indy 500 Blackout

Manning’s proposal would connect state funding to the blackout. If the race is blacked out between May 15 and June 15, the Motorsports Commission would not receive state funds. Though his amendments don’t name the Indy 500, the race fits all the criteria. Manning said taxpayers shouldn’t fund improvements when a blackout prevents them from watching the race.

Why End the Blackout?

Manning believes more TV viewers would help the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar grow. Blackouts were once used to encourage ticket sales. Most sports have ended blackouts, but the Indy 500 still enforces them. Only when the grandstands sell out is the race aired live in Indianapolis.

Response from IMS

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is reviewing Manning’s proposal. They stated that ticket sales for the 109th Running on May 25 are strong. The debate continues on whether the Indy 500 blackout should remain or end.

Indiana Lawmaker Pushes to End Indy 500 TV Blackout  was originally published on ronewibc.staging.go.ione.nyc