Television Viewership Of English Premier League And Social Bonding Patterns Among Football Fans In Port Harcourt Metropolis

This research examined television viewership of English premier league and social bonding patterns among football fans in Port Harcourt Metropolis .To ascertain the awareness, the extent and determined television viewership patterns. The survey study adopted a purposive sampling technique, while questionnaire were administered to respondents. Findings revealed that English premier league viewers are predominantly males, who enjoy a high degree of excitement and grief associated with a clubs’ victory or loss of any match. Television remains the tool for social mobilization and audience inclusion. The study concludes, that football viewership, inspite of its emotional, physical identification traits and its socio-economic benefits, has taken a unique dimension; a ritual of cultural character that transcends regional, national and international colourations of; race, class and creed. The study therefore, recommends and urges governments and its agencies, non-governmental organizations, commercial institutions, advertising agencies and other organizations to explore the media (television) as a tool to address issues of criminal activities at pay-per-viewing centers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, government should establish rules and regulations as well as deploy security operatives to accredited centers when high profile matches are to be played.