For the top twenty European clubs, broadcast income adds up to €1.9bn or 44 per cent of total revenue. In 2009 Manchester United earned slightly less than the European average at 37 per cent while for Arsenal the share was 38 per cent.
Viewers increasingly time shift shows using digital video recorders that allow them to skip adverts. They watch films via online video services such as Lovefilm. Sports can guarantee a large live audience with a young demographic.
For the top twenty European clubs, broadcast income adds up to €1.9bn or 44 per cent of total revenue. In 2009 Manchester United earned slightly less than the European average at 37 per cent while for Arsenal the share was 38 per cent.
Viewers increasingly time shift shows using digital video recorders that allow them to skip adverts. They watch films via online video services such as Lovefilm. Sports can guarantee a large live audience with a young demographic.
Top sports events allow networks to broadcast advertising to a large, affluent audience, including hard-to-reach young men. They are a key demographic as they have disposable income and are willing to switch brands.
To some extent, sports has been accepted as a loss leader by networks. Cable and satellite subscribers have had to absorb increases in their monthly bills. That could be threatened by a prolonged economic downturn, although fans will pay a lot to watch their club from the comfort of their armchair.
One of the next batches of football rights to become available is for the Football League. The rights are currently held jointly by the BBC and Sky, but competition is expected from ESPN.