Green Bay Reporter

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has introduced a bill called the Go Pack Go Act, which aims to ensure that all Wisconsinites have access to watch Green Bay Packers games, regardless of where they live in the state. The legislation would require cable, satellite, and other video providers to grant their Wisconsin subscribers with access to programming from the broadcast television stations in a Wisconsin media market.

Currently, some Green Bay Packers fans in 13 Wisconsin counties are assigned to an out-of-state local TV market in either Minnesota or Michigan. This means that these households may receive Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions games instead of Packers games when those teams are playing at the same time. The Go Pack Go Act aims to give every Wisconsin cable or satellite subscriber in these 13 counties the option to receive an in-state broadcast for every major network, ensuring they have access to Wisconsin-based news, information, and sports, including Packers games.

Rep. Gallagher emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "No Wisconsinite should ever be subjected to the torture of watching the Vikings or the Lions play over the Packers. This common-sense bill ensures that never happens and that every single Packers fan in Wisconsin has the opportunity to watch and cheer on our beloved Green and Gold."

The Green Bay Packers organization expressed their support for the Go Pack Go Act. Mark Murphy, Packers President and CEO, stated, "We’re pleased to see the Go Pack Go Act introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. We hear frequently from disappointed Packers fans in the affected areas of the state, and this legislation would help ensure Wisconsinites in every corner of our state would have the opportunity to enjoy every single Packers game. We appreciate the support and leadership from Rep. Gallagher, as well as from Sen. Baldwin and other elected officials who have introduced similar legislation previously. We’re hopeful this effort gains additional support and eventually is passed."

The Go Pack Go Act would benefit Packers fans in the following Wisconsin counties: Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Sawyer Counties in the Duluth-Superior media market; Burnett, Washburn, Polk, Barron, St. Croix, Dunn, and Pierce Counties in the Twin Cities media market; and Florence County in the Marquette, Michigan media market.

It is worth noting that Senator Baldwin (D-WI) had previously introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, highlighting bipartisan support for the effort to ensure all Wisconsinites can watch Packers games.

The Go Pack Go Act is seen as a promising step towards ensuring that Packers fans across Wisconsin have equal access to watch their favorite team play. With the support of Rep. Gallagher, Senator Baldwin, and other elected officials, there is hope that this legislation will gain additional support and eventually be passed.