
The Redefinition oftheSports Business ◾ 11
Change Number 2: A New Media World
It seems almost implausible, but in the earliest era of the growth of television’s
popularity and its ubiquitous presence in every home, restaurant, and sports bar,
some wondered if the telecasting of games would have a negative eect on atten-
dance at games. at fear initially convinced team owners in the NFL to “black
out” the telecast of home games in their local markets. e justication for black-
outs was anchored in a fear of an overexposure of games on television that could
lead to declining attendance levels if fans could simply watch from the comfort of