edf40wrjww2CF_PaperMaster:Desc
Title: The economics of sport: Regulation of the Broadcasting of Sporting Events
Source: Cameron, S. (1997) Regulation of the Broadcasting of Sporting Events. The Economics of Sport [Internet], 28th June 2008,17 (3), pp37-41. Available from: [Accessed: 14th November 2008].
Introduction
Samuel Cameron explores the subject of broadcasting and sport in the UK. He recognises the poignant discussion of this subject from sport journalists and other non-economists views. The article identifies how television has raised the potential revenue to be gained from sport and discusses whether sports should be ‘pay per view’, for instance, charge viewers to watch sports. Only secondary research is carried out to critically examine this subject area. Cameron considers the arguments of television broadcasting in the light of economic analysis and investigates literature supporting these arguments.
Context
The paper concentrates mainly on association football, as this is where the author feels broadcasting action lies. Vast amounts of articles exist circulated around the issue of broadcasting and ‘press freedom’. Generally media argue they should have the right to freely broadcast sports and that the games are not private. The competition for broadcasting rights is highlighted throughout the article. The BBC, for example, previously refused to pay the money for the right to broadcast sports. Broadcasting rights are clearly being sold at ridiculous expenses. Cameron provides examples of these. BskyB set up a four- year contract for 1997-2001 for an extortionate £670m and in 1978 the BBC did the same when they signed a four-year contract with the football club league for £9.8m. These lengthy cont ...