Viewers are watching more sports on TV compared to two years ago, according to a new survey by THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY and the Fox Sports/TMG Poll. The survey of 697 U.S. and Canadian residents, ages 12+, was conducted in December of '97. Asked if they are watching more or less sports on TV compared to two years ago, 54.8% said more, 32.0% said less and 13.2% had no answer or didn't know. Of those watching more sports on TV, 58.8% were males, 81.1% were ages 12-17 and 61.1% were from households with income less than $30,000. Of those watching less sports on TV, 58.3% said they agreed that it is because they are spending more time with non-TV entertainment options, while 54.3% cited more non-sports TV options. The full results (THE DAILY):
| 1) | WATCHING SPORTS ON TV COMPAREDTO TWO YEARS AGO: |
| 54.8% More | 32.0% Less | 13.2% DK/NA |
| | |
| 2) | WHY ARE YOU WATCHING MORE SPORTS ON TV? |
| (% that agree with each statement): |
| 81.7% | More sports options on TV |
| 75.7% | TV coverage is more exciting |
| 73.0% | Closer competition at events |
| 72.0% | Have more information on players |
| 71.7% | Have more information sources for favorite team |
| 67.8% | Favorite teams performing well |
| NOTE: Of those most likely to think TV coverage is more exciting: |
| 76.2% | Females |
| 85.0% | Ages 35-44 |
| 83.3% | Household income greater than $100,000 |
| |
| 3) | WHY ARE YOU WATCHING LESS SPORTS ON TV? |
| (% that agree with each statement) |
| 58.3% | More non-TV entertainment options |
| 54.3% | More non-sports TV options |
| 42.6% | Escalating player salaries |
| 41.7% | Favorite teams playing poorly |
| 41.3% | Escalating ticket prices |
| 35.4% | Teams relocating |
| NOTE: Of those most likely to be turning to non-TV entertainment options: |
| 58.9% | Females |
| 70.7% | Ages 35-44 |
| 65.2% | Household income less than $30,000 |
