Carlton Cuse On How Sports Rights Fights Are Hurting Scripted, Fair Residuals, AI & Netflix Series ‘The Secret Of Secrets’
The FIFA World Cup might be behind us now, but that’s not going to be the last time a major sports competition takes over schedules or streaming platforms. For veteran TV writer-producer Carlton Cuse,
The FIFA World Cup might be behind us now, but that’s not going to be the last time a major sports competition takes over schedules or streaming platf
Read Full Story at Deadline Hollywood →Why This Matters
The ongoing battles over sports rights are reshaping the landscape of television programming, often to the detriment of scripted content. As streaming platforms prioritize live sports to attract viewers, the financial and creative resources available for original storytelling may dwindle, impacting the diversity and richness of TV narratives.
Background Context
The rise of streaming services has dramatically changed how audiences consume media, with sports rights becoming highly coveted assets. Traditionally, scripted series have been a mainstay of network programming, but the recent surge in bidding wars for sports broadcasting rights has shifted focus and investment away from these narratives, raising concerns among creators and writers.
What Happens Next
As the competition for sports streaming rights intensifies, it is likely that networks will continue to prioritize live events over scripted content. This could lead to a significant reduction in the number of new scripted series produced, prompting writers and producers to seek alternative funding models or innovative storytelling formats to remain relevant in a changing market.
Bigger Picture
This shift reflects a broader trend in media consumption, where live events command premium pricing and viewer attention, often overshadowing scripted works. As artificial intelligence technologies evolve, they may provide new avenues for content creation, but the fundamental challenge of balancing sports and scripted programming will persist as audiences navigate their viewing preferences.
