Since 1973, the NFL has maintained a blackout policy that states that a home game cannot be televised locally if it is not sold out 72 hours prior to its start time. Prior to 1973, all games were blacked out in the home city of origin regardless of whether they were sold out.
NFL teams take up residence in stadiums constructed partially or wholly by taxpayers, in the face of threats from franchise owners that, without a state-of-the-art new stadium, the franchise will have to seek greener pastures.
The rule protects the economic interests of the NFL franchises, but at the expense of the economic interests of innumerable local businesses. Blacked-out games produce more empty seats - at bars and restaurants where many fans otherwise would watch the games.
We paid for it. We want it.