BSkyB and the 1991 World Student Games: The Transformation of Live Sports Television Acquisition and Coverage in the UK in the Early 1990s

In 1991, Sheffield was the host city for XVI Summer Universiade, better known as World Student Games (WSG). Studies of 1991 WSG commonly assert that it received little to no television coverage. This article intervenes demonstrate did receive substantial coverage on Sky Sports and across ITV network. The draws new archival sources provide perspectives negotiations interactions between organizers broadcasters, focusing BSkyB. serves an instrumental case study how newly available collections can be used reframe history. particular, considers early history Sports, its approach sports acquisition, relationship with public service impact satellite live-sports a rapidly changing media landscape in UK 1990s.