Slow motion, instant replays and the ability to rewind live TV are fans’ favourite innovations in sports broadcasting, according to new research commissioned by BT Sport.
Alongside its launch of Innovate 21 – a new competition seeking the next big tech innovation in sports broadcasting, research of 2,000 sports fans across the UK took place. The surveys sought fans views on tech innovations across the world of sport, both on and off the pitch, from developments in how sport is broadcast to innovations on the field of play.
The research found that 76% of fans believe that tech has a positive impact on sports TV while also revealing football is the sport most fans (49%) believe is best utilising tech to enhance sports viewing.
When it comes to fans’ takes on the best innovative additions on the pitch, goal-line technology (32%), Hawk-Eye (27%) and photo finish imagery (26%) were deemed the best enhancements by fans. In terms of their least favourite innovations, football’s video assistant referee system (VAR) was voted for by more fans (31%) than any other tech.
Overall, the studies found that 74% of fans believe access to technology has expanded the reach of sport to a greater audience than ever before, with people often watching sport on a PC or laptop (53%) or consuming the same content on their smart phones (41%). More than six in ten also believe that tech innovation has ensured that watching sport is a more sociable experience.
“There have been many impressive tech developments in the worlds of sport and broadcasting, and this research has highlighted the importance of tech for sports viewers,” BT Sport Chief Operating Officer Jamie Hindhaugh said.
“Sport and sports broadcasting do not stand still though, and we are committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation. This is why we’ve launched Innovate 21 to create the opportunity for someone to make a game changing mark on the world of sport broadcasting.”
