Extra Innings · The Front Office
Binoculars Over the Fence
Pittsburgh Athletic Co. v. KQV Broadcasting Co. (1938)
Charge: Unfair competition / misappropriation of broadcast rights - radio station described home games seen from a rented house outside the park (suit against the radio station)Court: U.S. District Court, Western District of PennsylvaniaDocket: The Front Office
Could a radio station broadcast live play-by-play of a ball club's home games from observers outside the ballpark without the club's permission?
The facts
A big-league club sold exclusive radio rights to its home games to sponsors and a network. A rival local station rented space in a house overlooking the ballpark. Its staff watched the games through field glasses and broadcast the action almost as it happened. The club and its sponsors sued for an injunction and damages. The station argued that what happens in a public game is news anyone may report.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Pittsburgh Athletic Co. v. KQV Broadcasting Co., 24 F. Supp. 490 (W.D. Pa. 1938)
Read more at sabr.org. The source reveals the outcome.