Tom Bradshaw - Sports Journalism: The State of Play

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 journalisms 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.

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 Marys 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.

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 doesnt tell you about sports journalism in the digital age isnt 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

Media Skills

Edited by Richard Keeble, Lincoln University

The Media Skills series provides a concise and thorough introduction to a rapidly changing media landscape. Each book is written by media and journalism lecturers or experienced professionals and is a key resource for a particular industry. Offering helpful advice and information and using practical examples from print, broadcast and digital media, as well as discussing ethical and regulatory issues, Media Skills books are essential guides for students and media professionals.

For more information about this series, please visit: www.routledge.com/Media-Skills/book-series/SE0372

Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue

First published 2020

by Routledge

2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN

and by Routledge

52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017

2020 Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue

The right of Tom Bradshaw and Daragh Minogue to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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