Sports programming still dominates TV, and Netflix is leaning more into it

Whether it’s streaming or traditional TV, sports keep audiences coming back to their screens — and Netflix is working on getting more into the game.

Click here to read the story at cnbc.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between streaming and traditional TV?
2. What does the headline of this news story mean when it suggests that sports programming still dominates TV?
3. What are ratings?
4. Why are ratings important to a company like ESPN?
5. Why are they important to sports teams and leagues?
6. Why are they important to advertisers?
7. What are broadcast rights?
8. Live sports events almost always draw the biggest ratings on TV. How might that explain why sports teams and leagues can charge millions (even billions) for the rights to broadcast their games?
9. What is “The Netflix Cup” and why is the streaming giant broadcasting the event?
10. How might this provide a look at what the future of Netflix could look like?
11. Netflix has enjoyed success in the past with its sports programming. How is the broadcast of the “Netflix Cup” different?
12. Why might sponsorship and advertising be important to Netflix?
13. How might live sports events help to boost sponsorship and advertising revenue?
14. Other streamers are also adding sports programming. Why do you think that might be?
15. What is an industry trend?
16. Do you think this represents an industry trend? Why or why not?