Large Church Super Bowl Parties Violate Copyright Law

Again this year, the NFL is objecting to large churches hosting Super Bowl Parties this Sunday if the game is screened on a TV screen larger than 55 inches. According to World Net Daily and the Christian Post, the copyright law (17 USC 110(5)(A)) grants only limited exceptions for the showing of copyrighted broadcasts, such as the Super Bowl. Sports bars with under 3750 square feet of space may freely show the broadcasts, but other establishments can do so freely only if they have less than 2000 square feet. Widespread showings to large audiences would cut into TV network ratings, and would in turn reduce advertising revenues. The NFL appears to be showing some flexibility this year, especially as home receivers now often exceed 55 inches. (See prior related posting.)