Lauren M. Burch

Sports journalism has seen massive upheaval in recent years. Today’s 24/7 sports networks, streaming services, and social media platforms bring sports coverage and live events to consumers anytime, anywhere. But despite the increase in the number of media outlets and the speed by which news is delivered and consumed, the basic tenets of sports journalism remain, albeit with a few new wrinkles. Embracing this dynamic, Introduction to Sports Journalism provides students with the practical knowledge and tools to succeed in the evolving field of sports journalism. While other texts repeat the “sports journalism is changing” refrain, Introduction to Sports Journalism sheds light on how and why it’s changing. Through these discussions students are challenged to formulate their own perspectives on contemporary sports journalism, journalistic expression, and how these concepts fit in today’s evolving media and societal landscapes. The text begins with an overview and history of sports journalism and traditional media. Also discussed is the impact of today’s nontraditional journalists: the bloggers and videographers outside traditional media channels. The core of the text then focuses on developing practical skills required to work in the sports journalism field, including knowing how and what to write to craft compelling stories. Much attention is paid to analytics, what they are, their variations across sports, and how to interpret and use them effectively. Also featured are digital media (blogs, podcasts, and social media platforms) and the technological tools used to create content. Sports journalism and public relations often overlap, and the text explains the nuances of the respective functions. Public relations tools such as media guides and game notes are presented, as well as a section on crisis communication. The pressure to “break the story” can tempt even the best journalist to plagiarize or fabricate stories or skip fact checks. The text covers journalism ethics and provides best practices for avoiding traps. Racial and gender bias and the importance of providing equitable coverage are also discussed. Additionally, legal issues such as copyright, privacy, discrimination, defamation, reporter’s privilege, and first amendment rights are addressed. The book concludes with a discussion of career paths and challenges facing the industry. The landscape is changing and, in response, the authors provide career advice for students entering the field. In the chapters you’ll find Industry Profile sidebars featuring interviews and conversations with practicing sports journalists. Also included are Time-Out activities throughout the chapters and end-of-chapter discussion questions, applied activities, and practical exercises, all designed to engage students more fully with the content and apply learning to real-life situations. Introduction to Sports Journalism provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary sports journalism-spanning all media platforms and sport organizations-to prepare students for a dynamic career in sports journalism.

Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, Research Methods for Sport Management provides a complete introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods for sport management students and practitioners. Full of real-world case studies, data, and examples, and including international perspectives throughout this book to help the reader understand the challenges of research in different social and cultural contexts, this book links theory to practice, highlighting the importance of research skills in the contemporary sport industry. This book outlines an eight-step research framework that makes the research process easy to understand and that can be followed by beginners and built upon by more advanced researchers. It covers the full research process from research design and literature review to data analysis and report writing, with a strong emphasis throughout this book on new digital, online, and social media methods. This new edition includes extended coverage of topics such as research ethics, gender in research, intersectional research, Web 3.0, data visualization, research impact, and advanced statistical techniques, and considers the differing requirements of sport-related research across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. With improved features to enhance teaching and learning, including a research f low chart, review questions, topical case studies, and PowerPoint slides, this is an essential textbook for any research methods course taken as part of a degree course in sport business and management, sport development, or sport marketing, and an invaluable toolkit for any managers, leaders, or analysts working in the sport industry.

Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, Research Methods for Sport Management provides a complete introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods for sport management students and practitioners. Full of real-world case studies, data, and examples, and including international perspectives throughout this book to help the reader understand the challenges of research in different social and cultural contexts, this book links theory to practice, highlighting the importance of research skills in the contemporary sport industry. This book outlines an eight-step research framework that makes the research process easy to understand and that can be followed by beginners and built upon by more advanced researchers. It covers the full research process from research design and literature review to data analysis and report writing, with a strong emphasis throughout this book on new digital, online, and social media methods. This new edition includes extended coverage of topics such as research ethics, gender in research, intersectional research, Web 3.0, data visualization, research impact, and advanced statistical techniques, and considers the differing requirements of sport-related research across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. With improved features to enhance teaching and learning, including a research f low chart, review questions, topical case studies, and PowerPoint slides, this is an essential textbook for any research methods course taken as part of a degree course in sport business and management, sport development, or sport marketing, and an invaluable toolkit for any managers, leaders, or analysts working in the sport industry.

Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Introduction to Sport Marketing is a clear, straightforward, and concise introduction to the theory and practice of sport marketing, and the only sport marketing textbook you will ever need. Built around a step-by-step framework for developing effective sport marketing plans, and full of real-world, international cases, data, and examples, the text helps students to develop the essential skills and subject knowledge required to thrive in today’s fast-paced sport industry. It covers sport marketing at all levels, from grassroots and community sport to international mega-events, and across all sectors from professional sport to public and not-for-profit organisations. Leading the reader through the marketing process, from analysis and setting a strategy to planning the marketing mix, implementation, and evaluation, the text introduces the products, services, distribution channels, and stakeholders that generate value, including brands, merchandise and licensed products, players and athletes, leagues and franchises, and events. This new edition includes expanded coverage of cutting-edge topics, including social media, digital sport marketing, esports, the social impact of sport, ‘sportwashing’ and soft power, innovation and fast prototyping, consumer psychology, and diversity and equity. It includes useful features throughout, from review questions to guides to further resources. This is an essential textbook for any sport marketing course taken as a part of a degree programme in sport management, sport marketing, sport business, sport development, or business, management, and marketing.

Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Introduction to Sport Marketing is a clear, straightforward, and concise introduction to the theory and practice of sport marketing, and the only sport marketing textbook you will ever need. Built around a step-by-step framework for developing effective sport marketing plans, and full of real-world, international cases, data, and examples, the text helps students to develop the essential skills and subject knowledge required to thrive in today’s fast-paced sport industry. It covers sport marketing at all levels, from grassroots and community sport to international mega-events, and across all sectors from professional sport to public and not-for-profit organisations. Leading the reader through the marketing process, from analysis and setting a strategy to planning the marketing mix, implementation, and evaluation, the text introduces the products, services, distribution channels, and stakeholders that generate value, including brands, merchandise and licensed products, players and athletes, leagues and franchises, and events. This new edition includes expanded coverage of cutting-edge topics, including social media, digital sport marketing, esports, the social impact of sport, ‘sportwashing’ and soft power, innovation and fast prototyping, consumer psychology, and diversity and equity. It includes useful features throughout, from review questions to guides to further resources. This is an essential textbook for any sport marketing course taken as a part of a degree programme in sport management, sport marketing, sport business, sport development, or business, management, and marketing.