United StatesFederal agencies would seek an exclusive broadcast window for the Army-Navy Game
Federal officials must work with football and media organizations toward protecting a broadcast window for the Army-Navy Game, subject to existing law and funding.
What it does
The order sets a federal policy against postseason college football broadcasts directly conflicting with the Army-Navy Game. It does not itself prohibit any broadcast.
Federal officials must work with football and media groups toward a window with no other college football broadcasts. The FCC may review whether broadcasters’ public duties support national coverage.
Argument forA dedicated broadcast window could focus national attention on the military academies and reduce direct scheduling conflicts for viewers.
Argument againstBecause the order sets a coordination goal rather than a binding broadcast ban, it may not prevent scheduling conflicts or could lead to added regulatory review.
More detail
The order makes avoiding direct broadcast conflicts with the Army-Navy Game a federal policy. The policy covers the College Football Playoff and other postseason college football games. The policy does not itself ban or regulate any broadcast. Implementation must follow existing law and available funding. The policy concerns the Army-Navy Game and the traditional second Saturday in December.
The Commerce Secretary and FCC chairman must coordinate with football, media, and government organizations toward an exclusive broadcast window; the FCC chairman must consider reviewing broadcasters’ public-interest duties. Coordination includes the College Football Playoff Committee, NCAA, related organizations, other appropriate agencies, and playoff broadcast and media-rights partners. The exclusive window is a stated goal, not a guaranteed result. Any FCC review must stay within the agency’s legal authority. The order does not create an enforceable right or benefit for any person or organization. Implementation is subject to existing law and available appropriations. The order gives no deadline for coordination or for any FCC review.
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Where it stands
- Signed
- Published
History
- 2026
- Mar 25Published in the Federal RegisterPublished
- Mar 20Signed by President Donald TrumpSigned
Government & EthicsEducationNational Security