,COM3706 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
Research Proposal: Content Analysis of Sports Story Coverage
in The Sowetan
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to investigate how The Sowetan, a
prominent South African daily newspaper, covers sports
stories. This research aims to explore the themes, framing,
and prominence given to sports news within the publication.
In doing so, the study will provide insights into the balance
between coverage of different sports, representation of male
and female athletes, and the presence or absence of critical
issues such as diversity and inclusion in sports reporting.
The proposal is structured as follows: Section 1.2 outlines the
research problem statement, Section 1.3 identifies
subproblems, Section 1.4 reviews relevant literature, Section
1.5 presents the theoretical framework, Section 1.6 details the
research design, and Section 1.7 concludes the proposal.
1.2 Research Problem Statement/Main Issue
, While sports are a significant part of South African culture,
there is limited empirical knowledge about how sports stories
are presented in The Sowetan. Questions remain about
whether coverage is balanced across different sports and
genders, and whether framing favours certain narratives over
others. This study addresses the issue of potential bias,
underrepresentation, and thematic framing in The Sowetan’s
sports reporting.
1.3 Subproblems
1. To what extent does The Sowetan provide equal coverage
to male and female athletes in sports stories?
2. What sports receive the most coverage in The Sowetan,
and how does this coverage vary by prominence (e.g.,
front page vs. sports section)?
3. How are sports stories framed — in terms of tone,
narrative focus, and emphasis on achievement,
controversy, or social issues?
1.4 Literature Review
Previous research on sports journalism reveals patterns of
gender disparity and sport prioritisation. For instance, Hardin
and Shain (2005) found that mainstream media often allocates
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
Research Proposal: Content Analysis of Sports Story Coverage
in The Sowetan
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to investigate how The Sowetan, a
prominent South African daily newspaper, covers sports
stories. This research aims to explore the themes, framing,
and prominence given to sports news within the publication.
In doing so, the study will provide insights into the balance
between coverage of different sports, representation of male
and female athletes, and the presence or absence of critical
issues such as diversity and inclusion in sports reporting.
The proposal is structured as follows: Section 1.2 outlines the
research problem statement, Section 1.3 identifies
subproblems, Section 1.4 reviews relevant literature, Section
1.5 presents the theoretical framework, Section 1.6 details the
research design, and Section 1.7 concludes the proposal.
1.2 Research Problem Statement/Main Issue
, While sports are a significant part of South African culture,
there is limited empirical knowledge about how sports stories
are presented in The Sowetan. Questions remain about
whether coverage is balanced across different sports and
genders, and whether framing favours certain narratives over
others. This study addresses the issue of potential bias,
underrepresentation, and thematic framing in The Sowetan’s
sports reporting.
1.3 Subproblems
1. To what extent does The Sowetan provide equal coverage
to male and female athletes in sports stories?
2. What sports receive the most coverage in The Sowetan,
and how does this coverage vary by prominence (e.g.,
front page vs. sports section)?
3. How are sports stories framed — in terms of tone,
narrative focus, and emphasis on achievement,
controversy, or social issues?
1.4 Literature Review
Previous research on sports journalism reveals patterns of
gender disparity and sport prioritisation. For instance, Hardin
and Shain (2005) found that mainstream media often allocates
