Current Controversies in Sports, Media, and Society

Book excerpt: Current Controversies in Sports, Media, and Society sheds light on how various issues, including racism, sexism, ageism, religion, politics, and more, are depicted in sports media. The text also demonstrates how sports media representation can influence both American culture and the individuals who consume said media. The book begins with an overview of the history of sports in American culture, the interplay of race, gender, media, and sport, and why we study sport and its role in society. Later chapters examine mass communication theories and approaches used in sports reporting and the obstacles athletes of color and women face in the world of sports media, including lack of representation, unequal media coverage, and the battle against prevalent social stereotypes. Readers learn the ways in which sports media influences our understanding of biological versus environmental influences on athletic performance, sexual orientation, and patriotism. Finally, the book analyzes modern sports journalism, exploring the causes and consequences of a lack of diversity in media and reporting. Written to spark discussion on ethics in sports journalism, media representation, and the role sports play in American culture, Current Controversies in Sports, Media, and Society is well suited for courses in mass communication, sports journalism, the sociology of sport, and race and gender studies. Dr. Cynthia M. Frisby is a full professor of strategic communication in the University of Missouri's School of Journalism. She earned her doctorate and master's degrees from the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Dr. Frisby is a nationally recognized author on media portrayals of minorities, athletes, women, and teens. She has previously investigated the sources of American viewers' fascination with reality television, the effects of idealized images on perceptions of body esteem among African American women, and race and gender representation in sports.