COM3706
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: August 2025
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to examine how the Sowetan, a leading South African daily
newspaper, covers sports stories within its print edition. This research will analyse five
consecutive issues of the Sowetan to identify patterns in sports reporting, including the types
of sports covered, the amount of space allocated to sports compared to other topics, the
placement of sports stories within the paper, and the tone of coverage. The study will also
assess the representation of gender in sports coverage, the sources and voices featured,
and the use of images to convey meaning. Using a content analysis approach, the research
will integrate both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive
understanding of sports journalism in the Sowetan. The proposal outlines the research
problem, subproblems, literature review, theoretical framework, and research design,
culminating in a conclusion summarising the intended outcomes of the study (Du Plooy,
2009).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to examine how the Sowetan, a leading South African
daily newspaper, covers sports stories within its print edition. This research will
analyse five consecutive issues of the Sowetan to identify patterns in sports
reporting, including the types of sports covered, the amount of space allocated to
sports compared to other topics, the placement of sports stories within the paper,
and the tone of coverage. The study will also assess the representation of gender in
sports coverage, the sources and voices featured, and the use of images to convey
meaning. Using a content analysis approach, the research will integrate both
quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of
sports journalism in the Sowetan. The proposal outlines the research problem,
subproblems, literature review, theoretical framework, and research design,
culminating in a conclusion summarising the intended outcomes of the study (Du
Plooy, 2009).
1.3 SUBPROBLEMS
From the main research problem, three subproblems can be identified:
Subproblem 1: Which sports and sporting events receive the most coverage in the
Sowetan, and how much space is allocated to them compared to other sports? This
will help determine if coverage is concentrated on a few popular sports or spread
across a wider variety.
Subproblem 2: What is the nature of the coverage in terms of tone (positive,
negative, or neutral) and whose voices are most frequently represented? This will
reveal whether the reporting favours particular perspectives, such as players,
coaches, fans, or officials.
Subproblem 3: How does the Sowetan represent gender in sports coverage, both in
the choice of subjects and in the use of images? This will determine whether male
and female athletes receive equitable representation and whether visual content
reinforces or challenges gender stereotypes (Du Plooy, 2009).
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: August 2025
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to examine how the Sowetan, a leading South African daily
newspaper, covers sports stories within its print edition. This research will analyse five
consecutive issues of the Sowetan to identify patterns in sports reporting, including the types
of sports covered, the amount of space allocated to sports compared to other topics, the
placement of sports stories within the paper, and the tone of coverage. The study will also
assess the representation of gender in sports coverage, the sources and voices featured,
and the use of images to convey meaning. Using a content analysis approach, the research
will integrate both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive
understanding of sports journalism in the Sowetan. The proposal outlines the research
problem, subproblems, literature review, theoretical framework, and research design,
culminating in a conclusion summarising the intended outcomes of the study (Du Plooy,
2009).
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to examine how the Sowetan, a leading South African
daily newspaper, covers sports stories within its print edition. This research will
analyse five consecutive issues of the Sowetan to identify patterns in sports
reporting, including the types of sports covered, the amount of space allocated to
sports compared to other topics, the placement of sports stories within the paper,
and the tone of coverage. The study will also assess the representation of gender in
sports coverage, the sources and voices featured, and the use of images to convey
meaning. Using a content analysis approach, the research will integrate both
quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of
sports journalism in the Sowetan. The proposal outlines the research problem,
subproblems, literature review, theoretical framework, and research design,
culminating in a conclusion summarising the intended outcomes of the study (Du
Plooy, 2009).
1.3 SUBPROBLEMS
From the main research problem, three subproblems can be identified:
Subproblem 1: Which sports and sporting events receive the most coverage in the
Sowetan, and how much space is allocated to them compared to other sports? This
will help determine if coverage is concentrated on a few popular sports or spread
across a wider variety.
Subproblem 2: What is the nature of the coverage in terms of tone (positive,
negative, or neutral) and whose voices are most frequently represented? This will
reveal whether the reporting favours particular perspectives, such as players,
coaches, fans, or officials.
Subproblem 3: How does the Sowetan represent gender in sports coverage, both in
the choice of subjects and in the use of images? This will determine whether male
and female athletes receive equitable representation and whether visual content
reinforces or challenges gender stereotypes (Du Plooy, 2009).
