, COM3706 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2
2025 – DUE August 2025 ;100% trusted ,comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
1.1 INTRODUCTION [6]
Sports journalism plays a powerful role in shaping how societies view
athletes, teams, and sporting events. In South Africa, newspapers remain
a key source of sports information, influencing public opinion and
reflecting broader cultural and social dynamics. The Sowetan, as one of
the country’s leading daily newspapers, has a wide readership and a
strong influence in framing sporting narratives. Its coverage choices —
from which sports are prioritised to the tone and framing of stories —
have the potential to reinforce or challenge public perceptions about
race, gender, and the value placed on different sporting codes.
This study investigates The Sowetan’s sports coverage to identify
patterns in topic selection, tone, and framing techniques. Grounded in
framing theory, the research will combine both quantitative and
qualitative methods to assess the balance, inclusivity, and
representational fairness of sports reporting. By examining not only
what is covered but also how it is covered, the study seeks to uncover
potential biases, highlight positive reporting trends, and contribute to the
ongoing discussion about equitable sports journalism in South Africa.
1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE [5]
Sports journalism plays a central role in shaping how audiences interpret
and value different sporting codes, athletes, and related socio-cultural
issues. Through the choice of topics, the tone of reporting, and the
framing of narratives, sports media can influence national conversations,
reinforce or challenge stereotypes, and impact the visibility of certain
2025 – DUE August 2025 ;100% trusted ,comprehensive and
complete reliable solution with clear explanation
1.1 INTRODUCTION [6]
Sports journalism plays a powerful role in shaping how societies view
athletes, teams, and sporting events. In South Africa, newspapers remain
a key source of sports information, influencing public opinion and
reflecting broader cultural and social dynamics. The Sowetan, as one of
the country’s leading daily newspapers, has a wide readership and a
strong influence in framing sporting narratives. Its coverage choices —
from which sports are prioritised to the tone and framing of stories —
have the potential to reinforce or challenge public perceptions about
race, gender, and the value placed on different sporting codes.
This study investigates The Sowetan’s sports coverage to identify
patterns in topic selection, tone, and framing techniques. Grounded in
framing theory, the research will combine both quantitative and
qualitative methods to assess the balance, inclusivity, and
representational fairness of sports reporting. By examining not only
what is covered but also how it is covered, the study seeks to uncover
potential biases, highlight positive reporting trends, and contribute to the
ongoing discussion about equitable sports journalism in South Africa.
1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT / MAIN ISSUE [5]
Sports journalism plays a central role in shaping how audiences interpret
and value different sporting codes, athletes, and related socio-cultural
issues. Through the choice of topics, the tone of reporting, and the
framing of narratives, sports media can influence national conversations,
reinforce or challenge stereotypes, and impact the visibility of certain
