Semester 2 2025 – DUE August 2025; 100% correct
solutions and explanations.
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to investigate how The Star, a leading
South African daily newspaper, frames sports stories. The research
aims to examine the patterns, themes, and narrative structures used
in reporting sports content, with a specific focus on identifying the
frames employed and their possible implications for public
perception. The study will adopt a content analysis approach to
systematically review selected sports articles published in The Star.
The introduction of framing theory will serve as the theoretical basis
for interpreting the findings.
The assignment is structured as follows: first, the research problem
statement and subproblems are outlined; second, a review of
relevant literature on sports media coverage is provided; third, the
theoretical framework of framing is discussed; fourth, the research
design is described in detail; and finally, the conclusion summarises
the key points of the proposal.
1.2 Research Problem Statement/Main Issue
Despite the significant role that sports play in South African society,
limited research has focused on how daily newspapers such as The
Star frame sports stories. Understanding these framing patterns is
essential to evaluate how sports journalism might influence readers’
perceptions, attitudes, and interest in different sports. This study
seeks to explore the dominant frames used in The Star’s sports
coverage and the implications of these frames for media audiences.