COST 3606

Sports Communication and Culture

Spring 2015

5-6 pages

Broadcast analysis

Step 1:

Select a sport event that has a pre-game, a post-game and (if possible) a halftime show.

Describe the company broadcasting the sport – include ownership and any link to the teams or sports competing in this description. For example: the Blue Jays are owned by MLSE, which is controlled by Rogers. Rogers also owns Sportsnet, which broadcasts the games.

Step 2:

Identify and describe the narrative or narratives that are being presented. How are these narratives being presented? As part of the discussion, is the narrative followed through the broadcast or is it abandoned at some point? If they are abandoned, then what is the new narrative? Is there any issue taking precedence in the broadcast? How is the significance of the event conveyed to the viewer/listener.

Step 3:

Describe the aspects of the shows and the event: (NOTE: some of these may not apply) Is there an effect of these on the viewer/audience? Does the broadcaster assume the viewer has a prior knowledge of the sport?

• People, objects, colours, shapes
• Camera angles/positions/movement
• Editing
• Lighting
• The graphics and written words
• Note spoken words – catchphrases
• Sound effects and/or ambient noises
• Music

For this step, you will likely spend most of your attention on the three shows rather than the event itself – probably an 80-20 split.

Step 4

In two or three paragraphs, tie it all together. Does the broadcast sell the sport to the viewer? Is it geared toward keeping the viewer engaged and interested throughout the broadcast … remember they’re asking you to spend three or four hours of your life with them.