An encouraging development regarding DirecTV and Major League Baseball's reported exclusive deal that would deny cable TV customers access to the MLB Extra Innings PPV package: In response to a letter from Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) expressing concern about the exclusive arrangement, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said the Commission would investigate.

In Kerry’s letter, he wrote, “I am opposed to anything that deprives people of reasonable choices. In this day and age, consumers should have more choices – not fewer. I'd like to know how this serves the public – a deal that will force fans to subscribe to DirecTV in order to tune in to their favorite players. A Red Sox fan ought to be able to watch their team without having to switch to DirecTV.” Martin wrote back to Kerry saying he also is concerned about the reported deal and has asked both DirecTV and MLB for information. “Once we have this information, we will report to you on the deal's implications for consumers and any recommended changes to the law to ameliorate any harm to consumers,” Martin wrote to Kerry.