The syllabus provides three questions to guide your analyses of the media’s role in giving meanings to sport.

How does the coverage given to particular sports reflect which sports are valued and which ones are not?

Sports that are high impact and high entertainment generate economic value from viewers, spectators and sponsorship. The coverage for these sports is frequent and during the prime time viewing area. Sports that are not regarded in such high value are subject to the broadcasting networks that don’t generate the same economic value. This is particularly the case when it comes to coverage for mens Rugby League or AFL compared to the Women’s competition, therefore suggesting that mens sport is held in for more superiority than women’s sport.

What metaphors are common in sport?

Rugby League- “Going to war” suggests the tough nature of this sport is similar to war, particularly between rival teams (QLD and NSW or Australia and New Zealand)

“wildcard” suggesting athletes get a second chance

Athletes being compared to gladiators

Differences in team names eg Dragons, Titans, Raiders compared to Opals, Vixens, Diamonds etc

Has the media pushed extreme sports to take excessive risks?

The media has had some input into extreme sports taking excessive risks. It is no longer acceptable or going to win an athlete an event if the stunt is deemed too simple or basic. The more dangerous and difficult the stunt the more points the athlete is capable of achieving and essentially winning the top prize. The greater demand for impressive performances results in larger risks being taken. On the positive side, there hasn’t been an overwhelming amount of fatalities as a result of athletes participating in extreme sports.