ABSTRACT

Global and authoritative, this textbook maps modern, live experience media, the categories that thrive on real-time engagement and human connection – even in the age of synthetic content, AI and the Metaverse. Sports and sports betting, festivals, comedy, concerts, tours and theme parks are covered – plus theatre, trade events, conventions, museums and galleries, and immersive media.

Live media events included are Burning Man, Glastonbury, the Indian Premier League, the English Premier League, Olympics, NBA and Bundesliga – plus sell-out Taylor Swift tours, the World Cup, Super Bowl, Ryder Cup and Formula One. Business models in this media category start with ticketing and advertising – now amplified with ecommerce, affiliate marketing, subscription and gambling transactions. Deep dives ask: Why is Saudi Arabia investing billions into golf and football? Why is standup comedy big in Nigeria? How are Broadway and the West End evolving? What do immersive technologies like Abba Voyage and the MSG Sphere offer for the future?

With class questions, a quiz, summaries and slides for each chapter, this is a guide and course structure for anyone at university level or in industry studying the media, music, entertainment, events, exhibitions, sports, social media or gambling industries.

part I|37 pages

The Power of Live Experience

chapter 1|14 pages

Introduction

You Really Had To Be There

part II|123 pages

Live Sports

chapter 3|25 pages

Sports Clubs

chapter 4|22 pages

Sports Leagues

chapter 5|26 pages

Global Sports Events

chapter 6|27 pages

Individual Sports

chapter 7|19 pages

Sports Betting

part III|85 pages

Live Entertainment

chapter 8|28 pages

Theatre

chapter 9|18 pages

Live Comedy

chapter 10|20 pages

Live Music and Tours

chapter 11|17 pages

Classical Concerts

part IV|54 pages

Live Events

chapter 12|21 pages

Festivals

chapter 13|12 pages

Live TV Events

chapter 14|18 pages

Conventions and Trade Shows

part V|63 pages

Live Culture

chapter 15|23 pages

Museums and Art Galleries

chapter 16|20 pages

Theme Parks

chapter 17|17 pages

Immersive Future