The Media Coverage Of Sports: Journalism And Broadcasting

POSTED ON September 27, 2023 • Sports BY Lawrence Omoge •

Sports journalism and broadcasting are the fields of media that specialize in covering sports news, stories, analysis, commentary, and opinions.

Sports have become a regular part of our lives in the modern world. Whether it's viewing a game on television, reading articles online, or listening to sports talk radio, sports coverage in the media has become an integral part of our culture. Journalists and broadcasters put in long hours to bring us news and analysis that matters. In this article, we will explore the vital role that journalism and broadcasting play in the media coverage of sports.

What is Sports Journalism?

Sports journalism is the sub-genre of journalism that deals specifically with covering sports and sports-related news. Media outlets that employ sports journalists include newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, podcasts, and more. Fabrizio Romano is one of the most popular sports journalists in the world, who specializes in news about football transfers and works for Sky Sports Italy; he is also known for his use of the tagline “Here we go!” when announcing a transfer deal. Some popular sports journalists include Carolina Guillen, Kenny Albert, Rick Reilly, among others. [caption id="attachment_11394" align="aligncenter" width="608"]

Some popular sports journalists include Fabrizio Romano, Carolina Guillen, Kenny Albert, Rick Reilly

Fabrizio Romano, Carolina Guillen, Kenny Albert, Rick Reilly[/caption] They discuss many different aspects of sports, including:

News: In the news, journalists cover the newest happenings in the sports world, including the latest scores, results, standings, schedules, injuries, transfers, controversies, scandals, etc. As a part of their research, they talk to athletes, coaches, officials, and other people in the field.
Features: These are typically lengthier and more in-depth pieces written by sports writers. These pieces may focus on a specific athlete or team, provide a cultural or historical viewpoint, go behind the scenes, or focus on human interest.
Analysis: Sports journalists give their expert opinions and thoughts on issues and themes in sports. To back up their claims, they cite studies, statistics, facts, and arguments.
Commentary: Sports writers' "commentary" sections are where they get to share their views and opinions on the latest sporting events, issues, and stories. They use methods of persuasion and rhetoric to change the thoughts and feelings of their audience. In addition, they provide critical analysis on a wide range of sports-related topics, including game play, officiating, and off-the-field activities.

What is Sports Broadcasting?

Sports broadcasting is a genre of media that concentrates on delivering and disseminating sports-related content electronically. Sports Broadcasters work for radio stations, TV networks, internet platforms (like YouTube), and streaming services (like Netflix). Popular sports broadcasters include SuperSport, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sky Sport24, etc. [caption id="attachment_11395" align="aligncenter" width="658"]

Popular sports broadcasters include SuperSport, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sky Sport24

SuperSport, Sky Sport24[/caption] The sports content they create for their viewers includes:

Live coverage: Sports broadcasters provide coverage of sporting events as they occur in real time. They provide context and detail for the event through the use of sound (for radio) or video (for television or the internet). Commentary (play-by-play or color commentary) is also provided to shed light on the scenario and provide background information.
Highlights: The most pivotal and thrilling moments of a sporting game are sometimes condensed into short clips called "highlights," which are aired by sports broadcasters. To emphasize the most important parts, they employ editing strategies and visuals. In addition, they provide a narrated commentary or recap of the action for the audience.
Shows: Sports shows are programs that air on sports networks and feature a variety of sports-related topics. For example,

- Talk shows: Sports broadcasters invite guests (such as athletes or experts) to discuss various sports topics and issues.
- Documentary shows: Sports broadcasters tell stories about sports-related subjects (such as history or culture) using documentary techniques (such as interviews or archival footage).
- Reality shows: Sports broadcasters follow the lives of athletes or teams using reality TV techniques (such as cameras or confessions).

Is there any difference between Sports Journalism and Broadcasting?

Both sports journalism and broadcasting cover sports. However, they have some differences in terms of their:

Medium: The primary medium of sports journalism is written words, while the primary medium of sports broadcasting is electronic means (such as radio waves or digital signals).
Format: The main format of sports journalism is articles (such as news articles or feature articles), while the main format of sports broadcasting is programs (such as live coverage).
Style: A sports journalist uses formal language (such as standard grammar or vocabulary), while a sports broadcaster uses informal language (such as slang or colloquialisms).
Audience: Readers of sports journalism read about sports, while viewers or listeners of sports broadcasting watch or listen to sports.

How are Sports Journalism and Broadcasting Similar?

Sports journalism and broadcasting are both forms of media that cover sports. Thus, they share several characteristics in terms of:

Purpose: Journalism and broadcasting in the sports world serve the same overarching goal of informing, enlightening, entertaining, and engaging their respective audiences.
Content: News, features, analysis, and commentary on sporting events are all typical topics in both print and broadcast sports journalism.
Ethics: Both sports journalism and broadcasting adhere to ethical principles and standards, such as accuracy, fairness, balance, objectivity, honesty, and respect.