October Sky Streaming

Sports Media Rights in the Age of Streaming and Platformisation

Against a backdrop of increased online distribution of media, this book provides an in-depth analysis of how the platformisation of television is both shaping and being shaped by the changing sports media market. Beginning by looking at the business models and strategies of the major stakeholders involved in the ‘sports broadcasting value chain’, the authors go on to focus on the challenges and opportunities posed by the growth of OTT delivery for the regulation of sports broadcasting in several key areas, including copyright law and piracy; competition issues linked to the buying, selling and distribution of premium sports content; and legislation designed to safeguard coverage of certain national and international sporting events for free-to-air television. Key areas of continuity, such as the persistence of national/regional markets; the importance attached to premium sports rights by rival delivery platforms as a source of ‘market power’; and the need to update key areas of policy and regulation in order to address challenges posed by the use of OTT delivery, are also discussed. This book makes use of a range of international and regional examples and case studies, not least the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, and identifies different strategies employed in the buying, selling and distribution of sports rights for all major parties in the sports media value chain, including new entrant OTT players, traditional pay-TV operators, public service broadcasters, and a range of international sports organizations. Providing a complete assessment of the relevance and future effectiveness of key areas of policy and regulation in sports media distribution, this book is recommended reading for advanced students and researchers of Sports Media, Sports Management, and Media Industries.

Seriality in the Streaming Era

Seriality in the Streaming Era explores the dynamic transformation of serialized storytelling in the digital era, where platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple Podcasts have redefined how narratives are created, consumed, and experienced. This book examines the profound impact of streaming technologies on both fictional and nonfictional series, offering an in-depth analysis of how these formats have evolved. Drawing from case studies across a wide range of media—from television to podcasts, and social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat—this book highlights how serialized storytelling has adapted to diverse formats and consumption habits. The authors explore key trends such as platform-specific narrative structures, audience engagement, and the blending of genres in both entertainment and journalism. With a focus on both the aesthetic and functional shifts in seriality, the book offers theoretical insights into the future of storytelling in a media landscape increasingly shaped by data-driven strategies and audience participation. Furthermore, the book tackles how seriality navigates the delicate balance between creativity and commercial demands. As a significant contribution, the book features interviews with key industry professionals in the field of serial media production. Seriality in the Streaming Era is an essential resource for scholars, students, and industry professionals, as well as anyone curious about the evolving role of serialized narratives in shaping modern media culture.

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