By Frank Macek Television has been my world for a long time. I’ve watched it transform from the days when families gathered around a single glowing box in the living room to today’s fragmented media landscape where every person in the household streams something different on their own device. Through all the seismic changes—from cable’s rise to the digital revolution—one truth has remained constant: sports are the heartbeat of television. In this article, I want to take a closer look at why live sports remain the last great force holding broadcast TV together, how local stations like WKYC depend on them for survival, and where the future may be headed as streaming giants try to chip away at the very foundation of television’s most loyal audience. The Power of Live Events When you think about it, most television can be consumed on your own schedule. Miss last night’s episode of your favorite drama? Fire up Hulu, Peacock, or Paramount+ and you’re caught up. Want to binge an entire se...