Sports Media and Society (11934.2)

Required texts

As no single book covers all the material considered in this unit, a list of readings will be provided through E-reserve to complement the major issues we will address in lectures and tutorials. As topical issues arise frequently about sports journalism and the media, additional readings and case studies will also be provided in-class and on the UCLearn (Canvas) site.

Strongly recommended reading/viewing/listening

Despite all the material which will be provided to you, nothing will be a substitute for you actively being involved in the media coverage of sport. You are expected to keep in touch with stories and issues relating to sport by following coverage online, and on TV and radio. It is recommended that students read, ON A DAILY BASIS, the sport AND news and sports coverage of at least one mainstream media outlet.

Why news coverage? An informed sports journalist needs to understand the aspects of Australian and the global society that influence, and are influenced by, the sports industry. Those influences are as diverse as politics, the media, the court system, the financial sector, among others. Including general news coverage in your daily reading means you will know what's happening in your community, your country and your world.

Mainstream media websites

www.abc.net.au

www.canberratimes.com.au (some free-for-view, other content subscription only)

www.news.com.au

https://www.theguardian.com/au

www.smh.com.au (5 free stories per month)

www.sbs.com.au

https://www.bbc.com/sport

Sports specific sites

www.foxsports.com.au

https://theathletic.com/ (US and UK sites – subscription $US30/year)

https://www.athletesvoice.com.au/

http://www.theroar.com.au/ (you can even contribute to the ‘Roar of the Crowd')  http://www.sportal.com.au/

http://www.insidesport.com.au/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/

http://wwos.nine.com.au/

https://bleacherreport.com/

http://thecrowd.foxsports.com.au/

http://www.ausport.gov.au/

There are many others.

Sporting organisation sites

http://www.afl.com.au/

http://www.nrl.com/

http://www.cricket.com.au/

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/

https://www.rugby.com.au/

http://www.nbl.com.au/

https://www.premierleague.com/

https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba?gr=www  (NBA Australia)

And many, many others.     

Sport on TV

News coverage: Public broadcasters – ABC, SBS

News coverage: Commercial networks – 7, 9, 10 and Fox Sports

Any ‘live' sports broadcasting event on TV has journalistic elements that you should pay attention to such as hosting, sideline reporting and commentating.

Sport on radio/digital/podcast platforms

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/grandstand/live/

https://www.sportsradio.com.au/

https://www.sen.com.au/

https://talksport.com/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00lmvvy - BBC World Sport radio news and programs

https://www.howiegames.com/

30 for 30 podcast (ESPN)

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Expectations

In all of your journalism assignments you are to assume your reporting is for online publication. Therefore, you are expected to aim for work of publishable standard and observe relevant law and ethical standards.

You must:

• observe the principles enshrined in the MEAA Code of Ethics (here);
• inform interviewees that the work is for online publication via NowUC.com.au (speak to your tutor if this causes any difficulties);
• not interview anyone who presents a conflict of interest, such as family, friends or colleagues, without permission of your tutor - if allowed, then disclose the conflict;
• produce your own original video, audio, images and text; In the event you are allowed to use material other than your own original work, you must observe copyright law and ‘fair dealing' provisions related to news reporting (here); or use copyright free creative commons music and images and give attribution.
• not plagiarise (here)
• observe defamation, trespass and other relevant laws (here);
• meet your submission deadline, unless an extension has been approved.

If you have questions about an assignment, please do not rely on rumour. Use your journalism skills and go to the source – your tutor or unit convenor – and check the facts for yourself.

Other requirements

1. You must attempt and submit every assessment item to pass this unit.

2. Deadlines are an integral part of working in the media. Assignments submitted late without prior notification and without an extension granted, will incur a penalty and may result in a fail grade. Late assignments will also be marked without comment. If you require an extension it is important to ask for one before the due date. If a medical condition makes this impossible, a doctor's or counsellor's certificate should be submitted, normally within three days of the incident. Extensions can only be obtained from the tutor for valid, documented reasons. Lack of personal organisation, pressure of work, and computer and printing problems, are not considered valid reasons. Losing your USB memory stick, or having it stolen, is also not a valid reason. Always back-up your work – it is good work practice as well as providing piece-of-mind.

3. Interest in, and general knowledge of, sport is assumed. Inability to demonstrate a good general knowledge of sport, and sport reporting tasks, will be reflected in your grades. Careless spelling, unproofed copy and poor written expression will affect your grades. In other words, practice writing when you can and check your work before submitting.

4. Word processing skills are assumed. Work must be submitted electronically, not in hard-copy. Students must make and retain an electronic copy of all assignments submitted.

5. If there is any doubt about the requirements of any particular assignment or assessment procedure, the onus for clarifying the issue rests with the student who should contact the lecturer about the matter.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Participation requirements

There is an expectation that students will attend and participate in all structured time: lectures, tutorials and field trips. Participation in learning activities is an important component of studying sports journalism. It is relevant to the gaining of knowledge and skills appropriate to this unit, and it also applies to your degree as a whole.
 
There is a significant link between a student's participation and the quality of work submitted for assessment as well as the achievement of learning outcomes. To this end, you are encouraged to take part in organised activities and utilise access to teaching staff during class time to get feedback on your work and advice about your studies.

Students who attend campus for class or other purposes must play their part in keeping our campus and community safe by following these basic guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

• Practise good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly;
• If you do happen to cough or sneeze, please do so into the crook of your elbow, dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands immediately
• Practise effective physical distancing;
• Follow all directions of teaching and other UC staff regarding safety measures;
• Stay off campus if you are unwell and get tested according to ACT Government guidelines, and 
• Follow University communications about campus arrangements https://www.canberra.edu.au/coronavirus-advice

Required IT skills

Word-processing skills and the ability to use the Internet are assumed. Web-based  applications, including social media, will be used in this unit.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

• Semester 2, 2024, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (222517)