In two and a half centuries since the foundation of the United States, sport has been a constant and evolving reminder of how America can be great. From pre-game traditions such as tailgating to events with global reach like March Madness and the Super Bowl, sport has long been a part of what makes America great.
How do we begin to consume sports media, though? Over the years, the technology available to sports broadcasters has changed, and while the days of traditional newspaper rooms may be slowly fading away, new types of digital journalism are emerging.
As sports journalism masters programs continue to navigate the changing landscape of sports broadcasting, it’s handy to understand how it impacts sports lovers. From the changing nature of broadcasts to how we access the latest sporting news, four key elements have changed how we consume sporting content. Let’s explore them!
The End of The Traditional Newsroom
Let’s face it – traditional sporting newsrooms have largely disappeared in the last twenty years. In a realm where newspapers grapple with rising costs, shrinking advertising revenues, and competition from digital newsrooms, newspaper owners have been forced to make tough decisions.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since the New York Times disbanded its sports desk – instead, sports news is sourced from The Athletic. On the West Coast, the L.A. Times entered a new era in 2023, making major changes to its sports news and abandoning traditional game stories for a curated experience that explores more in-depth reports and insights.
Data on Demand
Where are consumers getting their data if newsrooms no longer publish traditional game stories? As newspapers have changed their focus, sporting brands have revolutionized the data game.
Many sporting brands, including the NFL, host their own curated news channels, providing the latest news on player signings, injuries, and sentiment. For ordinary Americans, getting insight into their team is easier than ever, whether through mock drafts, injury reports, or even commentary on the season to come.
This doesn’t just extend to static news, either. Some sports, including the NBA, offer a suite of statistics to satisfy even the most curious sporting analyst, providing a stats hub that readers can explore, learn from, and use to further understand how teams play in ways that were previously unavailable to the average punter.
Your Choice, Your Voice
As the traditional newsroom evolves, new upstarts have emerged to compete. Podcasts such as the Pat McAfee Show and New Heights have captured the imagination of a sporting public in ways previously thought unfathomable.
As consumers, we now have a range of choices depending on what we’re interested in and what we want to watch or listen to. Highly technical sports news is available just about anywhere these days, but the best part is that it’s no longer the only sports journalism available.
Perhaps you want a podcast that delves into players’ and coaches’ personal stories – their motivations and how they got to where they are today. There’s a podcast for that.
Maybe you’re a fan of crime podcasts and want content that blends the world of sporting professionals, true crime, and a dash of comedy. The best part is there’s a podcast for that, too!
Sports media has evolved. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach. There is indeed a market out there for any sporting niche you can imagine. Ray Kinsella once heard in Field of Dreams – If You Build It, He Will Come – and that couldn’t be more true for today’s sports-hungry audiences.
The Digital Tailgate – Social Media
Sports has gone beyond the physical tailgate – taking the party online. Even mascots, to some extent, are taking the spotlight – I mean, who’d have thought a seven-foot-tall orange monster named Gritty would capture the hearts of a generation?
Once, in the past, being a sports fan meant that you had to get your boots on, get down to a game, and be amongst physical crowds. This could often be difficult for those uncomfortable in busy places. In today’s increasingly interconnected sporting world, your league’s biggest fans may be the ones cheering you on from your living room.
The world of sports broadcasting has changed, empowering fans with the tools and knowledge necessary to explore sports news in brand-new ways. Whether you’re a casual fan or a lifelong tragic, this generational shift brings all new opportunities – and it’s exciting to imagine what’s next.
