Economist Podcasts Field of streams: sports viewing changes
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Jul 26, 2024 
In this discussion, Tom Wainwright, The Economist's media editor, and Oliver Carroll, the publication's Ukraine and Russia correspondent, delve into the evolving landscape of sports viewership, emphasizing the shift towards streaming for events like the Olympics. They also tackle the alarming case of journalist Evan Gershkovich, shedding light on Russia's justice system and international diplomatic tensions. Lastly, they engage with the viral phenomenon of Kamala Harris as a 'brat,' exploring how social media shapes political narratives today.
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Streaming Shift
- The next year or two will see major sports content shift to streaming as ESPN and Netflix enter the game.
- Netflix, initially hesitant, is now pursuing live sports rights due to its advertising tier's need for large, simultaneous audiences.
Cost Concerns
- While streaming offers choice for non-sports fans, increasing sports content may lead to higher streaming prices for everyone.
- This reverses the previous benefit of streaming as an escape from expensive cable sports packages.
Global Reach
- Streaming offers sports leagues broader global reach, potentially increasing revenue beyond domestic markets.
- Many successful leagues, like the NFL, currently generate most of their media revenue domestically.