DOI: 10.11648/j.cls.20261203.13 ISSN: 2380-2529

Implications of Illegal Streaming of Football Matches on the Broadcasting Rights in South Africa

Edgar Malatji, Nhlayisi Baloyi, Makwena Mphaga
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This qualitative study expounds on the ramifications of illegal football streaming on broadcasting rights. The subscribers of pay-per-view television networks such as SuperSport International, Sky Sports, TNT, Fox Sports, ESPN, Bein Sports, etc., are the backbone of the broadcasting rights. The study sought to explore the implications of the illegal streaming of football matches on the broadcasting rights. Also, it dissected the affordability and accessibility issues concerning streaming of the same events. Further, the research underscored the convenience of football streaming in the digital era. Theoretically, the media economics theory is adopted as the analytical lens in this paper. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the managers of the international broadcasting entities in South Africa. Data from the football fans were collected through three focus groups. Additionally, reflexive thematic analysis anchored the data analysis component of this paper. The findings suggest that illegal streaming has been part of the broadcasting landscape in South Africa for decades. Also, the study discovered that the broadcasting entities were compelled to introduce streaming services to curtail illegal streaming services. We, therefore, recommend that the rights holders should rethink the packaging of their streaming services to mitigate the affordability conundrum. Also, we recommend that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) should introduce a new model of controlling and regulating streaming services to circumvent monopoly and unfair competition in this sector. The exploration of the new trends of content consumption should be critically analysed. This would stimulate discussion and further research on the adoption of new policies to address the ramifications of illegal streaming as well as new media regulation in the digital era.

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