The word media is a plural form of the Latin word ‘medium’. The word “medium” refers to the midway or the process of mediating. In our situation, information exchange between two or more people or entities, the media source and the consumer (Petersen-Wagner, 2020). Football has a long history with media, but the introduction of new digital media platforms in the last decade has transformed the way we consume and interact with the sport. The evolution of media from traditional media to new media enhances live streaming of matches to interactive statistics and fan engagement, media plays a major role in the modern-day fan experience (Leckenby, 2005).
The first major breakthrough for media in football came in the mid-90s when the Premier League was established. This allowed for unprecedented coverage of the matches, with broadcasters pushing for live streaming of games and increased access to players and managers. This gave fans a chance to watch their favorite teams in action from the comfort of their own homes (Rookwood & Hughson, 2017).
Sports media has evolved significantly over the years in football. In the early days, coverage was limited and typically consisted of newspapers and radio, with occasional television broadcasts. Newspapers were the primary source of coverage, providing detailed game recaps, analysis, and other stories related to the game. Radio broadcasts provided listeners with play-by-play commentary, as well as interviews with players and managers (Bellamy, 2009).
In the past decade, further advancements in technology have allowed for even more media coverage of football. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube have become essential tools for teams and fans alike to interact and stay up to date on the latest news (Ludvigsen & Petersen-Wagner, 2022). In addition, websites such as Transfermarkt (2022) and Premier League Stats (2022), have allowed for unprecedented access to detailed statistics and data that provide insight into the performance of teams and players.
The introduction of media in football has resulted in a more connected, engaged fan experience. Fans feel a greater connection to their teams, as they can watch matches, keep up with the latest news, and interact with fellow fans in real time. This media revolution has also opened up opportunities for content creators, allowing them to produce videos, podcasts, and other forms of media to share their passion for the sport (Lawrence & Crawford, 2022).
Ultimately, media has revolutionised the way we experience football and sport as a whole. It has allowed us to stay connected with our favorite teams, players, and coaches, and has given us unprecedented access to detailed data and statistics (Deuze & McQuail, 2020). As the media landscape continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how footballs media continues to adapt and evolve in the following years.
Media and Digital Transformation in Sport 
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