Thesis
The state of sports television: how to create the ultimate sports network in the ever-changing television landscape
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Apr 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/jmkh-2157
Abstract
In the fast evolving television landscape, many networks and executives are looking towards the future to see how they can ensure success moving forward. For cable and broadcast networks, it is crucial to explore innovative strategies and decisions that help draw audiences and stay competitive in a landscape inundated with options for consumers to choose from. With more money spent in sports television than ever before, this research will explore how this money can be spent most cost effectively. This research examines the sports television industry to see what has worked, what hasn't worked, and how these ideas can be evolved to thrive in the future. A case study was conducted, featuring a survey administered through Qualtrics to 169 individuals, interviews and articles featuring industry titans, and the collection of Nielsen ratings, arranged using Microsoft Excel, to answer the following research questions: (1) What is causing the recent proliferation of sports networks and what is its effect? (2) How do major sports networks fare with audiences and against competitors? (3) Are rising cable subscription fees causing subscribers to drop sports networks? (4) What are the current and future costs of live sports contracts and what is the right balance between live and original programming? The results of this case study provided insights and actionable strategies for the sports television industry. Ratings, Shares, Universe Estimates, and Median Age averages all contributed to the results of the case study. Interviews featuring current and former sports television executives gave more clarity to the sports industry and its inner workings while observed industry publications showed how the industry is received on a more widespread level.
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Details
- Title
- The state of sports television
- Creators
- Daniel Lajoie - DU
- Contributors
- Albert S. Tedesco (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 136 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 9436; 991014632255204721