Chapter 11: Media Flashcards
What are the main purposes of media?
Media serves multiple purposes, including informing the audience about current events, describing and explaining various topics, persuading through advertising and advocacy, and entertaining with content such as movies and music.
What is print media, and how has it historically covered sports?
Print media involves physically printed materials like newspapers, magazines, books, and posters. Sports reporting and coverage have been present in print media since the early days, with examples like “Sports Illustrated” and sports sections in newspapers.
What is broadcast media in sports, and how has it evolved?
Broadcast media in sports involves electronically sharing sports-related information. Television broadcasts major sports events, shaping public perceptions, while radio contributes to discussions. The digital age has expanded opportunities for sports sociologists to analyze online discussions and the impact of digital platforms.
What characterizes digital media, and how has it impacted sports sociologically?
Digital media, distributed and consumed electronically, includes websites and social media. It enables widespread accessibility, interactivity, and active engagement. Examples include social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook) and sports websites, contributing to a shift in sports sharing since the 1990s.
What are some other forms of media beyond print, broadcast, and digital?
Outdoor media, such as billboards and signs, targets high-traffic locations. Video games offer interactive engagement with virtual sports environments. Smartphones enable sports fans to access content globally, contributing to the global nature of sports media consumption.
What is the sports media complex, and how do sports and media interact within it?
The sports media complex refers to the close relationship between sports and media, where both industries depend on and influence each other. This interconnection involves interdependence, visibility and promotion, economic interests, fan engagement, cultural impact, technological advances, and media framing.
Are there media outlets uninterested in sports content?
Yes, certain media may target specific interests, and editorial choices may lead some outlets to exclude sports content. For example, a science-focused magazine might not prioritize sports coverage.
Why do TV channels pay for broadcasting rights of sports events?
Sports attract audiences. While audiences are fragmented among various sports, popular sports events ensure a large viewership. Additionally, sports programming is often cheaper to produce than scripted content.
How has sports broadcasting influenced TV innovation?
Many innovations in TV broadcasting, like different camera angles and instant replays, began with sports broadcasts.
How does media influence sports coverage?
Media plays a role in shaping public opinion through its framing of sports stories, but not all sports and athletes receive equal coverage. Uneven reporting, circular argument, and limited exposure to diverse sports contribute to underrepresentation and underreporting.
How has digital media changed sports coverage?
Social media platforms empower individuals to become content creators, allowing athletes to share their perspectives directly. Citizen reporting, dual roles of producers and consumers, and the empowerment of minorities contribute to a more diverse and widespread sharing of information.
How do athletes use social media for advocacy?
Athletes use social media for self-promotion and advocacy, expressing their personal views and experiences. However, conflicts may arise between the athletes’ individual voice and organizational goals.
What are the dominant narratives in the media about sports and physical activity?
Dominant narratives include stories of success, which involve overcoming challenges and adversity. Survival stories, particularly those highlighting diverse hardships and personal journeys, showcase resilience. Media coverage of women in sports has historically been biased, but efforts are being made to highlight achievements, skills, and dedication, moving away from traditional stereotypes.
How are women represented in sports media quantitatively?
Women are often underrepresented, marginalized, and less prominently featured in sports media. Articles about women may be harder to find, accompanied by smaller pictures, limited space and time, and less text, providing a less comprehensive coverage.
What are the qualitative differences in media messages about women in sport?
There is a disproportionate focus on the sexualization and trivialization of women in sports media. Coverage may emphasize appearance over achievements, objectify women, and show implicit bias, downplaying their significance compared to male counterparts.
