Sports journalism: ugly stepchild of journalism?

Sport reporting has done well to defy the historical prejudice that relegated it to the margins of journalism, and has become an integral part of every serious news media organisation. Once the obligatory appendage to the news media, it has shown commendable determination to forge a formidable identity of its own.

‘Toy department'

Considered the ugly stepchild of journalism and referred to disparagingly as the ‘toy department', sports journalism does not need to ride on the coattails of its historically more illustrious siblings any more to ensure its survival. It has proved itself to be capable of thriving independently of other forms of journalism.

There is a correlation between sports journalism's growing stature and sport's growing influence. And, while great strides in the right direction have been taken, there is still work to be done on raising the standard. The quality of sports writing in this country can range from the sublime to the ridiculous, with the bulk in the latter category.

Why is this still happening?

Self-taught accidental sports journalists man a fair number of sports desks. But it is dangerous to assume good playing credentials, combined with a passion for sport, make up for a lack of solid academic/journalism grounding.

Makes me cringe

Some of the ‘match analysis' peddled by retired players employed as TV pundits makes me cringe. Invariably, the live commentary, interspersed with vacuous analysis and ‘touchline reports' by so-called ‘experts,' drives many to hit the mute button. They would rather watch the action without the benefit of the experts' pearls of wisdom!

One of the reasons sports journalism in South Africa is still sneered at is because it is not steeped in a literary tradition. It does not stand up to academic scrutiny. As a result, it is prone to derisive dismissal by journalistic snobs as a trivial pursuit devoid of intellectual appeal. This means that sports journalism is not subjected to the same intense scrutiny as other forms of journalism. There is therefore a tacit acceptance and tolerance of mediocrity.

The cultural bias against sports journalism is reinforced by our education system. A cursory review of top SA universities shows that none of them offers sports journalism as a module or semester course, let alone as a three or four-year bachelor's degree. Because universities have de facto right of first refusal to the crème de la crème of school leavers, it means top school leavers are never going to study sports journalism simply because it is not on the menu of options.

Damning indictment

It is a damning indictment of both the education system and news media organisations in this country that the 2010 FIFA World Cup host - and home to the rugby world champions, the top-ranked test cricket team, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Khotso Mokoena, Ryk Neethling, Natalie du Toit and Lucas Radebe, among other internationally celebrated sportsmen and sportswomen - does not have a single academic ‘unit' devoted purely to the study of sports journalism.

The pursuit of excellence in sports journalism is therefore a challenge for both the industry and institutions of higher learning. It requires cross-pollination of ideas. In particular, sports journalism must make a conscious attempt to establish itself as a fully-fledged academic discipline. It is the surest way to rid itself of the inferiority complex it has internalised for decades.

SA sports stories are replete with subplots. They require more critical analysis than simple narration. Yet SA sports journalists struggle to transcend journalistic turfs. Reporting of the Caster Semenya debacle is a recent case in point. After covering the athlete's exploits on the track, sports journalists passed the baton to their hard news colleagues to do the probing into the story.

Convergence is unavoidable

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is a colossal media event, the coverage of which transcends the narrow boundaries of football, so convergence of different forms of journalism is unavoidable.

For the duration of the tournament, the muckrakers, satirists, political commentators and others who normally ruminate over ANC succession debates, crime, the economy, will all clamber onto the 2010 bandwagon, lending their wit to coverage of the beautiful game.

However, the world cup is an opportunity for sports journalism to take centre stage, with abovementioned beats as the supporting act.

At TEAMtalk Media, we are keenly aware what a wonderful opportunity 2010 represents for us and our fellow sports reporters. We look forward to taking on the challenge and invite all SA sports journalists to join us in putting our craft at the level it belongs.