We knew it was true, but this graphic demonstrates it nicely. More than any other genre of programming, sports is what makes people watch television live. According to Nielsen, in 2005 14% of the top 100 live TV programs were sports-themed. But in 2015, the top live programs were 93% sports. In a world where time-shifted viewing is the norm, live sports is what’s keeping appointment viewing–and cable subscriptions–around.

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Distractions

Commentary by Steve Effros I hadn’t planned to write another column about FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s proclivity to wade into political controversy, but I’ve gotten so many inquiries about his latest

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