'Digital media to play a critical role in Sports broadcasting'

Sports Minister Vijay Goel today said that digital media will play a critical role in bringing about change in sports broadcasting in India.
Goel said increasing penetration of internet, mobile devices and cheaper data services especially in rural areas will prove game changer in this direction.
Addressing the Big Picture Summit 2016 here, Goel said Broadcasters must focus on how sports are delivered to these audiences.
Goel said that data suggests that more than 60 per cent of the Digital Audiences in India is within the age group of 13-35 years.
"This is the base that Sports needs to capture to build up the overall Business of Sports. There is a need for Brands and Advertisers to come forward and recognize the power of Sports delivered to young India with respect to both, a Return on Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility aspect," he said.

The Sports Minister said the Government is committed to work towards building up a culture of sports and improving the business of sports.

Goel said it is his belief that Broadcasters focused on innovative ways to reach out to youth would be the real game-changers and will create a far greater impact on the overall business of Sports in India.
A majority of Sports Leagues have been launched including Football, Kabaddi, Wrestling, Hockey, Tennis, Badminton and more.
Goel said this has been made possible by persistent efforts by various stakeholders. A large talent pool in sports such as Football, Kabaddi, Hockey, etc. Has mass appeal. This has not only impacted Sports as entertainment but also the Tourism and Infrastructure sectors.

The Minister said "packaging of the Sports League as Entertainment has been the game changer. This clearly reflects in more than 450 million viewers of Indian Super League. The most interesting revelation has been Pro Kabaddi League with a viewership of more than 500 million."
He said what is even more interesting is that some of these leagues have more than 40 per cent female viewers on television.
"Innovative media campaigns around new sports have been the force behind the increasing Sponsorship Revenues. All Media platforms including TV, Radio, Print, Digital and off Air have played a crucial role in the success of the newer leagues. Advertisers and Investors must recognize that without a talent pool of sportspersons, this will be tough to sustain," he said.