Sports Journalism: The State of Play

by Tom Bradshaw, Daragh Minogue

Overview

Based on interviews with leading sports journalists and grounded in the authors’ experience and expertise in both the sports journalism industry and sports media research, Sports Journalism gives in-depth insight into the editorial and ethical challenges facing sports journalists in a fast-changing media environment.

The book considers how sports journalism’s past has shaped its present and explores the future trends and trajectories that the industry could take. The far-reaching consequences of the digital revolution and social media on sports journalists’ work are analysed, with prominent sports writers, broadcasters and academics giving their insights. While predominantly focused on the UK sports media industry, the book also provides a global perspective, and includes case studies, research and interviews from around the world. Issues of diversity – or a lack of it – in the industry are put into sharp focus.

Sports Journalism gives both practising sports journalists and aspiring sports journalists vital contextualising information to make them more thoughtful and reflective practitioners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138583511
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/20/2019
Series:	Media Skills
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Tom Bradshaw is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Sports Journalism at the University of Gloucestershire, and an award-winning sports journalist. His main research area is media ethics. Alongside his teaching and research, Tom writes for The Times and other titles, and broadcasts for the BBC.

Daragh Minogue is Principal Lecturer and Course Leader in Sport Journalism at St Mary’s University. His current research focuses on identity, politics and sports media. He contributes to the journalism training programme at Sky Sports News and has received commendations for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in journalism.

Table of Contents

Part I: Key Debates in Sports Journalism

Chapter 1 – The Changing Role of the Sports Journalist

Chapter 2 – The History of Sports Journalism: Continuity and Discontinuity

Chapter 3 – Sports Journalism, Nationalism and Politics

Chapter 4 – Defining Sports News

Chapter 5 – Ethics, Regulation and Law for the Sports Journalist

Chapter 6 – Sports Media Relations and Complicit Sports Journalism

Part II: Diversity

Chapter 7 – Racism, Representation and Sports Journalism

Chapter 8 – Coverage of Women’s Sport and Female Sports Journalists

Chapter 9 – LGBT, Disability Sport and Inclusive Sports Journalism

Part III: The Crystal Ball

Chapter 10 – Extra Time: A Tentative Look into the Future of Sports Journalism

Editorial Reviews

"Sports Journalism analyses the impact on sports journalism of the collision between professional and commercialised elite sport and the digital revolution and is essential reading for sports journalism students, educators and experienced practitioners, all continually grappling with an ever-changing landscape."

Laurie Tucker, Head of Journalism Training at Sky Sports News

 

"Sport journalists are under greater scrutiny than ever before, with the industry needing answers to difficult questions around diversity, gender balance and collusion on its sports desks. Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue　have provided the essential guide for any trainee reporters tackling the issues that go beyond the back page."

Owen Evans, University of Brighton

 

"Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue have crafted a brilliantly well-researched, uber-contemporary, rip-roaring read that is crammed full of excellent case studies and thought-provoking content. If, like me, you have an insatiable thirst for sports journalism knowledge in this constantly adapting, technology-embracing, fast-paced era, you will find the time invested in this book very worthwhile."

Will Cope, Southampton Solent University

　

"What this book doesn’t tell you about sports journalism in the digital age isn’t worth knowing. Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue provide a comprehensive guide to the media, tracing the history of an era of often startling change and pointing to the future in a way that will educate and entertain both current and aspiring journalists. It is the most readable work - students and historians alike will enjoy learning from it, as I certainly did."

Patrick Barclay, chairman of the Football Writers’ Association from 2016 to 2019, former Sports Writer of The Year and author

　

"From the outset the book raises the very real dichotomy of opportunities and challenges posed by the shifting sands of sports journalism, underpinned throughout with crucial ethical considerations. From the digital revolution that has transformed the role of the sports journalist, to the implications for journalist-source relationships in the wake of an increasing reliance on PR and communications personnel, the book builds on previous academic work with fresh input from the authors and primary case studies to bring us right up to date. The position of sports journalism in wider contemporary debates is tackled superbly and in-depth with salient chapters on areas including race and representation, coverage of women in sport and LGBT and disability; topics that transcend sports journalism but are also now integral to the development of the vocation and socio-political discussion generally. From students to scholars, to practising sports journalists and those invested in the sports media industries, this book is essential reading to obtain an informed understanding of the past, present and future of sports journalism and the growing significance of its place in the cultural fabric of society."

David Randles, University of Chester　

　

From the Publisher