Leisure Time

Commercialisation and Media

In this course, Mr Craig Newton (Birmingham City University) explores the commercialisation of sport and its presence in media. In the first lecture, we think about leisure time and how it has changed over time. In the second lecture, we think about the structure and function of the active leisure industry. In the third lecture, we think about the stages of event management. Next, we think about the commercialisation of sport and the involvement of the media. In the fifth lecture, we think about the impacts of sponsorship and media on sport. In the sixth and final lecture, we think about the impacts of technology on sport.

Leisure Time

In this lecture, we think about leisure time, focusing in particular on: (i) defining leisure time as that which is spent doing neither work nor chores, specifically doing things you want to do rather than need to do; (ii) differentiating between active and passive leisure; (iii) the fact that the opportunity for leisure time is higher now than in any period in history; (iv) modern, time-saving technology like dishwashers and washing machines as a contributing factor to the increased availability of leisure time; (v) shorter working hours than in previous periods in history as another contributing factor to increased leisure time; (vi) longer life expectancies as a further contributing factor, as well as a relatively younger retirement age; (vii) increased holiday allowances in jobs as another contributing factor.