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NFL considering fewer commercials as way to boost low ratings

Jessica Rinaldi / REUTERS

NFL games could soon include fewer commercials.

As any fan who's watched the NFL in the last decade knows, game broadcasts are packed to the brim with ad breaks. It's common to see a touchdown scored, then sit through a two-minute commercial break, return to see the ensuing kickoff, and then sit through yet another two-minute commercial break.

With TV ratings plunging for the NFL, among other sports, the league is "looking very hard" at changing its approach to commercials, NFL Media executive vice president Brian Rolapp said Wednesday at the NAB Show in New York, according to Diana Marszalek of BroadcastingCable.com.

Rolapp noted that some games include as many as 70 commercials, which may be a turnoff to fans.

"In a world where Netflix has no commercials and consumers are used to 15 seconds of of pre-roll, is there a better way to do commercials with our broadcast partners?”

Rolapp said the NFL is "not overly surprised" about its recent ratings drop, adding, "we are not overly worried."

- With h/t to Sporting News

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