World Cup May Be Over, but Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks Thinks Hydration Breaks Could Return

The World Cup may be over, but its impact on the TV industry is still being felt, and Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks is already thinking about what worked and what didn't. One aspect that caught his attention is the hydration breaks, which were introduced to combat the heat and humidity in some of the host countries. Shanks thinks these breaks could become a permanent fixture in future tournaments, and it's not hard to see why - they provided a unique opportunity for broadcasters to air additional commercials and promotions, potentially increasing revenue.

The success of the World Cup in terms of viewership is a significant win for Fox Sports, especially given that the US and Mexican teams were eliminated early on. This suggests that the event's appeal extends beyond just local interest, and that fans are willing to tune in to watch high-quality soccer regardless of their national team's involvement. The fact that Fox Sports was able to draw in massive crowds despite these eliminations is a testament to the power of the World Cup brand, and the network's ability to market and broadcast the event effectively.

As the TV industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the World Cup's format and broadcasting strategy adapt to changing viewer habits and technological advancements. Will we see more innovative uses of breaks and downtime, such as the hydration breaks, to increase revenue and engagement? How will broadcasters balance the needs of different stakeholders, including fans, advertisers, and teams? These are all questions that will be worth watching in the lead-up to future World Cups, and Fox Sports' approach will likely be closely scrutinized by the rest of the industry.

Originally reported by variety.com. TriviaNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.