FOOTBALL IN THE NEW MEDIA AGE

Football in the new media age can often appear ubiquitous, dominating much of the mainstream news and current affairs agenda. The vast amounts of money paid to elite footballers and the inability of these young men to cope with this when combined with their media-fuelled celebrity status have frequently made headlines. However at the core of this process is the battle to control a game which has exploited its position as a key 'content provider' for new media developments over the last decade. Based on extensive interviews with key players in the media and football industries, Football in the New Media Age analyses the impact of media change on the football industry. It examines the finances of the game, the importance of rights and rights management in the industry and attempts by clubs themselves to develop their own media capacity. It also explores the key role played by football supporters. At the core of the book is an examination of the battle for control of the game as media, business and fans all seek to redefine the sport in the twenty first century.