Sports Journalism as a Popular Field of Modern Media

Sports journalism had only a recreational function for some time. However, this approach has changed over time and today it occupies one of the most important places in the hierarchy of forms of journalism.

Nowadays, sports events are often the focus of modern media: in media it is given a separate space; relevant programs, stories are being actively prepared ...

Today’s Mediascope is about Sports Journalism. The field which is the most popular part of modern media. Elene Bilikhodze, a sports commentator on Georgian Radio (Public Broadcaster) talks about its importance, needs and advantages. 

The very first examples of sports journalism

Information about chess written by Homer in Greece is considered to be the first achievement of sports journalism. Records on wrestling, boxing, shooting, and, of course, the ancient Olympic Games also appear later. The latter was entertaining at the time, and since it was recognized as a common public religious holiday, it was considered that spreading information was a form of entertainment too.

Later, when attitudes towards sports changed dramatically and the principle of competition emerged, sports reviews began to fight for leading positions in the hierarchy of journalism and it can be boldly said that it is an integral part of the modern media space nowadays.

Field of Interest of Sports Journalism

It covers many topics. Obviously, we are no longer talking about big sports competitions and especially popular sports. One of the top priorities of sports journalism today is to promote healthy lifestyle, especially in the current epidemic situation.

Sports Journalism in Modern Media Space

The scarcity of sports programs is not observed in the modern media space and this is really to be welcomed.

I cannot say that the standard of information dissemination is violated in modern sports journalism today, however, it can be said that there are some shortcomings when it comes to transfers, revenues, doping scandals. But today such an attitude to the issue can also be called a kind of marketing ploy.

It is important to be covered!

It is important to prepare materials on the development of Parasports, because the attitude towards parasportsmen in our country has changed so much that today they are in leading positions in various sports. One of the motivators for the development of this direction was the first silver medal won by parachutist Nini Tibilashvili at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The attitude of the society has also changed over time: we can already fight for medals at the Paralympic Games.

I think it is also very important to prepare programs and reports on the development of sports infrastructure and management. If these two segments in the country meet modern standards, it will become one of the main pillars of the development of sports tourism. At the same time, the country will have a real ambition to fight for hosting major international competitions, which will have a positive impact not only on sports but also on the country’s economy.

Sports Journalism on Multimedia Platforms - Advantages and Disadvantages

Considering modern technologies, online media is especially popular among young people nowadays.

Obviously, every format has its charm. It can be said that the existing resources allow us to think only about the advantages and priorities, that is why the media is constantly trying to correct the shortcomings in this direction.

Sports News in the Newscasts

Today, the public interest in sports is so great that there are cases when the media start broadcasting programs talking about sports triumph.

Due to Georgian reality, when world wrestler Lasha Talakhadze performs, everyone tries to be the first to film this event from a different angle and then release exclusive footage.

It is Important for Success in Sports Journalism ...

Of course, education. This is not just about sports journalism. After education, interest and love for sports is the main foundation that becomes the main message of this education.

To be well aware of all kinds of sports is impossible, but you should always try to prepare well for the meeting with any respondent and gain his/her trust.

Trust is Most Important!

The trust of a respondent is most important. In this regard, I am very happy and proud, because any athlete provides me with the exclusive information after the end of the competition.

Gaining and then maintaining the respondent’s trust should be our top priority. I always talk about the importance of the latter with my students, who are world sports stars, - said the sports commentator of Georgian Radio, Elene Bilikhodze.

Soso Gazdeliani