,COM3706 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to investigate how The Sowetan
covers sports stories, with specific attention to the framing,
frequency, and thematic focus of its reporting. The study aims
to assess whether sports coverage in The Sowetan reflects
diversity in sports disciplines, promotes balanced
representation of athletes, and provides in-depth analysis of
sporting events. This research is relevant to understanding the
role of the media in shaping public perceptions of sports and
athletes. The following sections of this proposal will present
the research problem statement, subproblems, literature
review, theoretical framework, and research design. The study
will conclude with a summary of the key points discussed.
1.2 Research Problem Statement / Main Issue
Despite the importance of sports in South Africa’s cultural and
social life, concerns have been raised about the lack of
diversity, balance, and depth in sports reporting. In particular,
The Sowetan, as one of the most widely read newspapers in
, the country, may influence public attitudes toward sports by
prioritising certain sports, genders, or narratives over others.
The main research problem is:
How does The Sowetan frame and present sports stories, and
to what extent does this coverage reflect diversity, fairness,
and depth?
1.3 Subproblems
1. To what extent does The Sowetan provide balanced
coverage of different sports disciplines?
2. How does The Sowetan frame athletes in its sports
coverage, with regard to gender, race, and performance?
3. What narrative or thematic patterns are most prominent
in The Sowetan’s sports reporting?
1.4 Literature Review (sample – you’ll need to insert proper
citations)
Previous studies show that sports coverage in mainstream
media often prioritises high-profile sports such as football,
while giving minimal attention to less popular disciplines
(Author, Year). Research also indicates that male athletes tend
to receive more coverage than female athletes, with women’s
sports often being portrayed in a less competitive or serious
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this study is to investigate how The Sowetan
covers sports stories, with specific attention to the framing,
frequency, and thematic focus of its reporting. The study aims
to assess whether sports coverage in The Sowetan reflects
diversity in sports disciplines, promotes balanced
representation of athletes, and provides in-depth analysis of
sporting events. This research is relevant to understanding the
role of the media in shaping public perceptions of sports and
athletes. The following sections of this proposal will present
the research problem statement, subproblems, literature
review, theoretical framework, and research design. The study
will conclude with a summary of the key points discussed.
1.2 Research Problem Statement / Main Issue
Despite the importance of sports in South Africa’s cultural and
social life, concerns have been raised about the lack of
diversity, balance, and depth in sports reporting. In particular,
The Sowetan, as one of the most widely read newspapers in
, the country, may influence public attitudes toward sports by
prioritising certain sports, genders, or narratives over others.
The main research problem is:
How does The Sowetan frame and present sports stories, and
to what extent does this coverage reflect diversity, fairness,
and depth?
1.3 Subproblems
1. To what extent does The Sowetan provide balanced
coverage of different sports disciplines?
2. How does The Sowetan frame athletes in its sports
coverage, with regard to gender, race, and performance?
3. What narrative or thematic patterns are most prominent
in The Sowetan’s sports reporting?
1.4 Literature Review (sample – you’ll need to insert proper
citations)
Previous studies show that sports coverage in mainstream
media often prioritises high-profile sports such as football,
while giving minimal attention to less popular disciplines
(Author, Year). Research also indicates that male athletes tend
to receive more coverage than female athletes, with women’s
sports often being portrayed in a less competitive or serious
