Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Does Media Negatively Affect the World of Sports?

Issue 9
Does Media Negatively Affect the World of Sports?
Yes: Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D & Kyle Ott, B.S, from “Does the Media Impact Athletic Performance,” http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/does-media-impact-athletic-performance

No: Jonathan Lee, “ARGUMENT Benefits of Social Media in Sports,” http://nationalsels.org/home/?p=888

No: Eric C, Covil, “Radio and its Impact on the Sports World,” http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/radiohistory.html

Issue Summary

Yes: Marieke Van Puymbroeck is a dedicated scholar invested in education and improving life for others with the skills derived from her PdD from The University of Florida. Marieke, accompanied by Kyle Ott hold the position that media negatively effects the wellbeing of players in the sports world and elaborates with examples of the damaging effects of media on many famous and talented athletes. 

No: Jonathan Lee, “Argument Benefits of Social Media in Sports” and Eric C Covil, “Radio and its Impact on the Sports World” both hold the position that different aspects of the media have been and continue to be beneficial to the sports world. Jonathan Lee points out the opportunities for companies to become more connected with current fans and also the ability for market growth. Eric C. Covil focuses on the positive impact radio has had in the growth of sports and broadcast.

The world of sports has grown in massive proportions since the origination of broadcast in the early 1920’s. Although, some people today say that the relentless efforts of media and their desire to develop a story is ruining the industry entirely; would sports be where they are today if it weren’t for media outlets sending information alerts, broadcasting thousands of events, and advertising for important business supporters. There is an argument for both sides. The explosive growth of sports media allowed different forms to branch out and obtain powerful rolls in the sports entertainment industry. Different forms of media ranging from broadcast- radio and TV, print – newspapers, magazines, blogs, social networking cites, websites, and film have all taken hold of the airwaves and are being received by billions of people across the world. It is known that the relationship between the teams and the media is a rocky one. Jennifer Van Grove, described the relationship in, “Sports and Media, Where opportunity and fear collide,” as “an arranged marriage of sorts, where fear of cheating prevents a truly harmonious union.” Marieke Van Puymbroeck and Kyle Ott agree that the relationship often has an unhealthy effect on players and can easily result in the destruction of their professional career. On the other hand, Johnathan Lee and Eric C. Covil believe that two totally different forms of media are both beneficial to the sports world as a whole. The article by Lee elaborates on the opportunities created for franchise through social media. The live update feature of every professional and college game being played going directly to cell phones and computers all over the world is what has more people interested in sports than ever before. From the players to the franchise leaders, social media is an important resource for promotion, as well as a hub for fans and players to network and build relationships. While social media is a growing media platform, Eric Covil focuses on radio specifically, and the positive influence it has had on the world of sports over the long and intimate seventy something years broadcast has served as a media outlet used by sports teams. He highlights the impact of broadcasting on high school, collegiate, and professional sports and explains why radio has a better relationship with the game than any other form of media. Compare both the articles and use the different arguments to help form your own opinion of whether media has a negative or positive impact over the world of sports.

Links have been provided below to access the articles.

No argument #1 by Jonathan Lee

No argument #2 by Eric C. Covil


Postscript

Does Media Negatively Affect the World of Sports?

As media continues to grow so does its power. The question, Does media negatively affect the world of sports remains debatable. So many different aspects play a part in deciphering the answer. Social media and other digital media that are catching fire in the sports industry such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc. have many positive and negative affects depending on the way which they are used. Espn and other sports talk shows have become gossipy and filled with status updates and hoopla, but that is the least of the problems. Players and figures of public interest must remain conscious about what they say over social media because media sources such espn will be the first to know. If a player posts a status on facebook stating, “downtown SF tonight to party” most all the media sources will be talking about it the very next day, it is likely to be talked about on espn, radio, internet, print forms, and maybe other news coverage if the public interest is there. But is this really a bad thing? As viewers of their sport we also like to know how they act off of the field and a players twitter or facebook can be like a door into their life, the pressure is on the players to know when to close the door and not publicize everything they do, unless that is their intentions. It is known that players usually receive the harshest scrutiny by the media. If they haven’t let the team down they, the media is always posing the question; will they let the team down today? This pressure is what many athletes dread most about playing the game and the next press conference is always in the back of their mind creating persistent anxiety and pressure. The head coaching position also receive high amounts of pressure to bring their team a win, and if they are not winning, the media is always posing the question; will this be their last game?

On the other hand, media and technology have worked hand in hand to make the sports entertainment business more enjoyable for fans. Many diehard fans believe that it is essential to have their smartphone and scorecenter app open all game day, to get the latest updates on every game happening around the nation. Social media and the interactive relationships allow more people to talk sports more often, and they are. While building a larger fan base and getting more people talking about sports in general, all franchises have created detailed websites to view schedule, player bio’s and statistics, and to purchase tickets and team apparel. Radio and broadcast are another important aspect to consider when analyzing media and their relationship with the sports world. Combining all forms of media - print, broadcast, online, and film, and use the articles that you have read to create your own opinion about the affect of media on the world of sports. Is media creating a positive or negative atmosphere for fans, players, coaches, and the sports community as a whole?

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