ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the television–sport nexus. Specifically, it describes how television generates its principal source of revenue through advertising, and how this revenue determines the level of television rights paid to sporting organisations. It also describes how program popularity is measured, and looks at the link between this system of measurement and how advertisers assess the value of their advertising investment. The chapter explores the sport–television relationship. Clearly it is a business relationship, and one that has grown in importance throughout the world. The importance and significance of the sport–television relationship are indicated by the rapid increase in sport programming in Australia that has occurred since the inception of television in 1956. The method used to collect ratings data has changed during the past 20 years. The chapter attempted to demystify the sport–business–television relationship. It is not surprising that Australia’s big advertisers and media buyers are feeling exasperated.
