Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices1.
These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, but they are also what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news, and information it tends to have. We the Indians, not only considered as the most powerful democracy but also we use it almost effectively and efficiently1.
Journalism gives the purpose to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, and their government. As stated above, journalism can be distinguished from activities viz1.
- Informational journalism
- Investigative journalism
- Sports journalism
- Citizen journalism
- Yellow journalism etc.
Sports journalism deals with the coverage of sports events and personalities across the globe. The sports columns in modern newspapers have become extremely popular. Sports have always been an important section in the newspapers, magazines, television and on the radio. Over time, the coverage of sports news has grown in importance. Sports journalism is an essential element of any news media organization. Sports journalism includes organizations devoted entirely to sports reporting2.
History of Sports Journalism
The end of World War I and the beginning of the great depression were described as a decade of change. Everyone in Europe and America wanted to boost up and put the memory of war behind, this freedom allowed America to fall in love with sports. Sports journalism’s roots developed long before Sports Illustrated and ESPN3.
Sports Journalism in India
It is heartening to note that of late sports have received a strong impetus in India. Our people are now taking more interest in games, sports, and athletic events than they were doing formerly4.
Almost all newspapers of standing in our country, particularly English language newspapers are devoting at least one full page to sports news. Some of the bigger newspapers are devoting two to three pages regularly. This demonstrates the tremendous pull sports command upon the minds of newspaper readers4.
Growth of Sports Journalism in India
However, Indian sports journalism is of recent growth. In the main, it developed in the early years of independence. Prior there were no regular sports pages in many newspapers5. The first remarkable event in the history of sports journalism in India was the introduction of a sports page by a leading English daily of Bombay in the late thirties. Sports page became so popular that other newspapers followed suit. Today there are sports columns in all daily newspapers4.
Sports Journalism Now There are not enough good magazines on sports especially in Indian languages. A couple of English magazines are catering to the needs of sports lovers but there is woeful lack of informative and educative journals in Indian languages. Today, Sports journalism is branching out with an issue for youth. Its content is designed to encourage involvement in sports, provide information about reducing injuries, and highlighting major names. The future of Indian sports journalism is bright and there is no doubt that it will get its due place5.
References
1.Arihant publication, the ultimate guide for journalism and mass communication 2.https://www.asthabharati.org/Dia_Oct%2005/bal.htm
3.https://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+sports+journalism&sxsrf=ACYBGNT3fTstIxXHVziKNsGykNJ5w03iZQ:1574617519737&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT6K6vs4PmAhUYXn0KHdeYDj8Q_AUoAnoECA8QBA&biw=1536&bih=674
4.https://www.ukessays.com/essays/media/history-of-sports-journalism-media-essay.php
5..https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/how-to-become-a-sports-journalist/articleshow/69408504.cms
