Sports Journalism ‘Undergoing Cultural Change’

The impact of digital on sports reporting was the hot topic at the latest Journalism Leaders Forum event staged by the University of Central Lancashire.

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose asserted that online innovations have brought about a “change in culture” within the profession, especially because of the easy access to sports fans’ views.

Joining the debate via webcam, Bose said the growth in sports websites has brought into public view what was “previously going on in the corner of the pub”, such as fans’ attitudes towards managers and players.

He suggested that these “very raw” opinions provide an “instant reaction” to any given event in sport and this is picked up by journalists to shape stories.

The impact of the web upon print journalists was also discussed by Hindustan Times sports editor Kadambari Murali, who provided an insight into the world of real-time reporting.

Murali, speaking online from India, used the example of the recent controversy during the Indian cricket team’s tour of Australia, which was temporarily suspended following allegations of a racist remark uttered on the field of play.

She said that in addition to writing copy for the newspaper, she was constantly posting updates onto the Hindustan Times website about the progress of the Indian team bus and providing a timeline of events during the day.

Further details about the event can be found on the Journalism Leaders blog and a picture of the panel can be viewed at flickr.