As a result of contractual agreements between
professional sports leagues and broadcasters, the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may sometimes require a "blackout" of some sports teams games. When this happens, a local team game will be scheduled to air but then the listed broadcaster will not air the game, or will air replacement programming. This is called a sports blackout.

In order for viewers to be eligible for a particular team's games, their zip code must fall within that team's territory as defined by the leagues based upon zip code. If a viewer's zip code falls outside of the team's territory, they will be blacked out regardless of what programming may be listed.

The Sports Blackout Rule protects the holder of the exclusive distribution rights to a local sporting event (i.e. a sports team). The sports blackout rule is only applied if a local TV broadcast station is not carrying the local sporting event. Therefore, if a local TV broadcast station does not have permission to carry the local game, then no other broadcaster's signal displaying the game can be shown in the protected local blackout zone.

Time Warner Cable has no control over these blackouts. Newspaper or TV Guide listings may show times for these games, in spite of the local blackout. We regret that blackouts are necessary and apologize for any inconvenience they may cause.

MLB EXTRA INNINGS Definitions:

These terms are helpful in explaining blackout conditions applicable to MLB EXTRA INNINGS.

MLB EXTRA INNINGS Package: A digital programming package sold on a subscription basis. The MLB EXTRA INNINGS package consists of MLB regular season games that include team(s) other than a subscriber’s home team(s). The games included in MLB EXTRA INNINGS are in addition to those available nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, WGN, and the FOX broadcast network.

System/headend Service Area: The entire region to which a headend delivers programming. This includes multiple head-ends fiber-fed off a single receiver.

MLB Team Television Territory: An MLB pre-determined region of the country in which a team can maximize its marketing and television distribution. It is based on counties/states and not any broadcaster’s coverage area.

TERRITORY Blackout: A blackout region protecting the entire Team Television Territory of an MLB team’s home market.

Away BO: The type of blackout that must be assigned to the visiting team’s local market of a game.