It matters not to the NFL whether you charge or not. If your screen is too big you can't allow other people to watch it, and you can't have more than a few people watching a small screen.
I'm not saying you are wrong about the broadcast rules in general, I'm just pointing out that the NFL has a special drug deal going on.
I see your point re the NFL special deal. They work hand-in-glove with the networks, who can only get this nonsense enforced because they’re pushing past the terms of their broadcast license when they go after people having a big-screen viewing party in their home.
Networks/NFL: “Yeah, the signal is free... but you’re enjoying it TOO much! So you should be paying us!”
What kind of argument is that? Surprised the courts have bought into it... but I work in television, and this industry (along with movies) has some of the most effective, gun-slinging killer lobbyists at work on its behalf in all of D.C. Generally they get whatever legislation and regulation they want. Nobody lobbies for the people.
I’m surprised the FCC and Congress have managed to hold the line so long on keeping the broadcast airwaves free.