The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) portrayal of environmental sustainability on YouTube came under scrutiny in a recent study. Despite a focus on positive societal impact, analysis of over 13,000 videos revealed limited attention to climate and environmental issues, with minimal self-criticism. This suggests a downplaying of Olympic sustainability efforts. For more insights, refer to the full paper.
Digital Consumption of the Paralympic Games on YouTube: Unveiling the New Sport/Media Landscape on a Platform Logic
The digital revolution, particularly through YouTube, has modified the way Paralympic Games are consumed. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) leverages YouTube to reach larger, diverse audiences, functioning both as an alternative and addition to traditional TV. The IPC must master this new media landscape, balancing content creation and audience engagement within the algorithm-based system, to ensure fair visibility for all athletes and disciplines. Peak content production and viewership typically align with major events like the Paralympic Games.
Is YouTube taking over TV in sport? Digital transformations in the sports media industry
The traditional dominance of TV as the primary medium for sports broadcasting is now challenged by digital platforms like YouTube. An academic paper discusses how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is using YouTube as a complementary platform for the Olympics broadcast. It highlights YouTube's digital advantages such as real-time access, user-driven content co-production, and versatility of communication. The paper also points out the IOC's increasing dependency on the YouTube algorithm for audience engagement and its selective focus on key user markets. While YouTube has not yet overtaken TV for live broadcasts, its role in sports consumption is undeniable.
Do football fans like VAR?
Digital transformation has impacted football not only via platforms, but also on-pitch with the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). A study analysing over 300,000 comments left on FIFA's official YouTube videos revealed that about 60% of fans disliked VAR. Fans typically associated VAR with three negative aspects: favouring bigger nations, non-neutrality of technology, and destruction of traditional football. They perceived VAR as another tool used in modern football's commercialisation and mediatisation.
Does Apple have plans for a metaverse? It might involve Apple TV+ and sport
During Apple's first fiscal quarter earnings call, Tim Cook was asked about Apple's plans for the metaverse by a Morgan Stanley analyst and Cook's reply focused solely on ARKit and all the different apps available on the App Store that benefit from those technological affordances. In a way, Cook's vision for an Apple Metaverse lies... Continue Reading →
What the Metaverse means for the Sport Industry?
In a preview post I have discussed what I envision to be the future of sport and media and hinted to a moment where our reality is augmented by the transformations coming from digital technologies. In that post I have used Star Wars' Holochess as an example of what traditional sports broadcasting will look like... Continue Reading →
Digital Revolution? Persisting Gender Inequalities in Digital Sports Broadcasting: The case of FIFA TV on YouTube
A research comparing men's and women's FIFA World Cup videos on YouTube found that while men's videos have more views and engagement, women's videos received more likes per view, showing signs of favorable engagement. These findings suggest that the digital revolution has not fully disrupted gender inequalities in sports media, but there are hopeful indicators of an increasingly equitable consumption of content.
What is the future of sport and media?
Trying to correctly predict the future of sport and media might be a daunting affair as the pace of technological disruptions and transformations rising from the digital revolution appears to be ever increasing. For instance, taking Nicholas Negroponte's famous analysis on Being Digital - a work written in the mid-90s just before the dot-com bubble... Continue Reading →
Podcast: Breaking the Mould: Social Media’s Impact on Women’s Sports and Athlete Representation
This podcast explores the impact of social media on women's sports, comparing its representation with traditional media. It highlights the positive and negative aspects, including the opportunity for athletes to defend themselves and build their personal brand, while also addressing challenges such as misrepresentation and online trolling. Social media is seen as a powerful tool for self-representation and event promotion.
Audio Podcast: Documenting the Game: Exploring the Impact of Sports Documentaries on Fan Engagement
The podcast explores the influence of sports documentaries on fan engagement, referencing Welcome to Wrexham and The Last Dance. These documentaries provide drama, emotion, and exclusive access, leading to an 88% increase in demand between 2020 and 2021. The market for fan viewing is now highly profitable and competitive. (50 words)
Shaping Sports: How Media Transforms the Game
The media has significantly changed sports by influencing the rules and gameplay to cater to broadcasters and fans. Examples such as the NBA's shot clock and T20 cricket show that media-driven changes have made sports more thrilling and engaging, attracting new audiences and promising a future filled with innovation and excitement.
Media Convergence and its Importance on Women’s Football
Summary: Women's football has experienced a surge in global popularity, leading to enhanced professionalism, media coverage, and fan support. Convergence culture has integrated the sport into various media channels, boosting visibility and audience growth. This has also empowered fans to engage actively through digital platforms, fostering a vibrant online community. Technological convergence has made women's football more accessible, eliminating geographical barriers and enabling transmedia storytelling, ultimately transforming the sport and shaping its inclusive and vibrant future.
Skateboard Revolution: How Social Media Ignited a Cultural Phenomenon
Social media has revolutionized skateboarding culture, transforming platforms like YouTube and Instagram into virtual skate parks where skateboarders can share their creativity and challenge stereotypes. It has provided a continuous stream of fresh content, boosting the sport's popularity and industry growth. The industry's diverse tapestry is showcased, celebrating authenticity and innovation (50 words).
Media Evolution: The Dynamic Interplay Between Tradition and Modernity
Sport has become a global passion, impacted and documented by traditional media. Print, TV, and radio are in decline, making way for online platforms and social media. Newspapers and magazines have shifted to the digital realm. Podcasts have redefined radio, offering personalized content. Traditional media is adapting and thriving in the digital era.
The Era of Steaming – How Streaming Sites are beginning to take over the World of Live Sport
The shift from traditional sports broadcasting to streaming services like Netflix, Disney, and Apple is transforming live sports consumption. These platforms offer accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and global reach, posing a significant competition to giants like Sky and TNT. As streaming services continue to evolve, the future of live sports consumption looks promising for these platforms.
Digital Football: How Fans are Winning within Football’s Digital-Driven World
Football has evolved from a 90-minute game to a global digital phenomenon. Social media allows fans to engage, express opinions, and connect globally. Streaming platforms like YouTube offer in-depth content, while digital platforms erase language barriers, creating a global football community. The digital age has revolutionized how fans support their clubs and consume football content.
Darts: Hitting the Bullseye and Conquering Platformization in Sport Media
Darts has evolved from a pub game to a major televised sport, with the 2024 World Championship final attracting 3.71 million viewers. Platformization, including dedicated streaming services like PDC.tv and the rise of social media, has greatly contributed to this popularity. These platforms offer global reach and engagement, allowing the sport to attract new fans worldwide.
Audio Podcast
Hi all, please find attached my podcast, which analyses the impact of YouTube on sports.
Media and Digital Transformation in Sport 