Trump Pledges Executive Order to Shield Army-Navy Game from Competing Broadcasts
President Donald Trump has announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at protecting the Army-Navy football game from competing broadcasts. This initiative seeks to uphold what he believes is a vital American sporting tradition. The Army-Navy matchup has been celebrated since 1890, featuring teams from the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
Preserving a Cherished Tradition
In a recent statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the importance of the Army-Navy Game. He expressed concern that commercial postseason games were sidelining this historic event. “The Army-Navy Game is one of our Greatest American Traditions,” he stated. “Unmatched Patriotism, Courage, and Honor!”
Exclusive Broadcast Window
To ensure the game’s prominence, Trump intends to create an exclusive four-hour broadcast window. This would prevent other games from being televised during this time. The agreement would primarily benefit CBS, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights until 2038. This action comes as CBS is under the ownership of Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison.
Impact on Broadcasting
Trump’s executive order aims to solidify the Army-Navy Game’s status amid increasing competition from college playoff games. He declares, “Under my Administration, the second Saturday in December belongs to Army-Navy, and ONLY Army-Navy!” However, the enforceability of this order remains uncertain. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not cover cable or streaming companies.
Challenges and Concerns
The implications of such a move raise concerns. NFL broadcasts are governed by antitrust laws, and there could be regulatory challenges in enforcing the new broadcast window. CNN has reached out to both the FCC and CBS for further remarks.
Recent Developments
In December, Trump attended the latest Army-Navy game in Baltimore, witnessing a close match that ended in a 17-16 victory for the Navy. This marked his sixth appearance at the iconic event. The game coincided with other college football games, highlighting the increasing competition for viewers.
- Event: Army-Navy Game
- First Match: 1890
- Exclusive Broadcast Rights: CBS until 2038
- Recent Attendance: Trump’s sixth appearance
- Latest Score: Navy 17, Army 16
In conclusion, Trump’s approach represents a broader trend of governmental influence in sports broadcasting. As the Army-Navy Game continues to be recognized, the implications of this executive order will unfold in the media landscape.
