Race, Racism and Sports Journalism

Book excerpt: Beginning with a theoretical discussion of race, sport and media, this book critically examines issues of race, racism and sports journalism and offers practical advice on sports reporting, including a discussion of guidelines for ethical journalism. In a series of case studies, representations of race will be explored through historical and contemporary analysis of international media coverage, including online and digital platforms. The background and impacts of these representations will also be discussed through interviews with athletes and sports journalists. Subjects covered include: cricketin the UK, Australian and Asian media, with particular focus on Pakistan athleticsand media representations of athletes, including a study of the reporting of South African runner Caster Semenya footballand the under-representation of British-Asians, with an analysis of how race is constructed in the digital arena boxingwith particular reference to Muhammad Ali, America and Islam Formula Oneand analysis of the media reporting, international spectator response and racism towards Lewis Hamilton, described in the media as the first black driver. Finally, the book will analyse the make-up of sports journalism, examining the causes and consequences of a lack of diversity within the profession.