Broadcast Studies examines the organisational contexts within which sports broadcast journalism is conducted. The module aims at extending and enhancing at postgraduate level the student's knowledge of theoretical and empirical perspectives of sports broadcast journalism. It also aims at giving students a proper understanding of these perspectives and the ability to apply them in practice. The module explores the development of sports journalism in Britain, comparing it with the practice in the United States and Europe and assessing arguments around the globalisation of broadcasting. It examines issues arising from ownership, structures, control and regulation of sports broadcasts. The module examines the relationship between public policy and sports broadcasting and the relationship between politics and sport. These issues are then contextualised in relation to such issues as news values, balance, gender, sources and editorial pressures. Case studies of different styles of sports broadcasting are analysed and the 'dumbing down' thesis examined. The potential implications of telecommunications technology and the information superhighway for the professional practice of sports journalism will also be assessed. Finally, the module looks at possible futures for sports broadcasting.


Journalism Studies examines the organisational and ideological contexts within which journalism is conducted. The module aims at extending and enhancing at postgraduate level the student's knowledge of some of the basic intellectual foundations of journalism. It also aims at giving students a proper understanding of these elements and the ability to apply them in practice. After an introduction to theoretical and empirical work examining globalisation and glocalisation, students will compare and contrast journalistic practice in the UK, the United States, Asia and Europe. The module then examines issues arising from ownership, structures control and regulation, with particular reference to the breaking down of traditional national barriers. The implications of telecommunications technology and the information superhighway for the professional practice of journalism will also be assessed. The module examines the relationship of journalism to the political process. These issues are then contextualised in relation to such issues as news values, balance, sources and editorial pressures. Case studies of different styles of news and news values are analysed. Research methodologies will be explored.

Assessments 1 and 2 = Learning Outcomes 1-5


The presentation of c.25 minutes will focus on an issue and its implication for journalism practice in the current social and political environment


The “article” will allow students to demonstrate the relevance of the theoretical approaches to the practice of sports broadcast journalism¿in the format and style of an article, as it might appear in industry i.e. an authentic assessment.


Employability

Assessment 1 involves the student interviewing primary sources and using them in a presentation – both skills utilised in the broadcast journalism industry.

Assessment 2 is an authentic assessment.


Diversity

Both areas of the module – Sports Broadcast Studies and Journalism Studies – will examine issues of diversity and equality in the industry, both historical and contemporary.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (39 hours)

19.5 Hours of lectures will form an important part of the learning process, increasing students’ knowledge of crucial issues that underpin the module.

19.5 hours seminars will form an important part of learning and reflection, allowing students to debate crucial issues.

Guided Independent Study Hours (131 hours) including assessment preparation and wider reading.

1. Understand the intellectual framework necessary to work as a professional journalist

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of journalism

3. Critically understand the impact of political and commercial considerations on sports journalism

4. Demonstrate advanced conceptual understanding and critical appreciation of contemporary theories and theoretical approaches to the practice of broadcast journalism

5. Research, summarise, analyse and critique the literature, theories and concepts involved at a level appropriate to postgraduate study and to communicate those findings clearly and accurately

Newsroom facilities

Blackboard

Library

Allan, Stuart et al, The Future of Journalism: Risks, Threats and Opportunities (Routledge, 2020)

Conboy, Martin, Journalism in Britain: A Historical Introduction (Sage, 2010)

Conboy, Martin, Journalism Studies the basics (Routledge, 2012)

Foy, Dennis and Brighton, Paul, News Values (Sage, 2007)

Franklin Bob and Canter, Lily, Digital Journalism Studies: The Key Concepts (Routledge, 2019)

Franklin Bob, et al, Key Concepts in Journalism (Sage, 2012)

Gutsche, Robert E. and Brennen, Bonnie eds, Journalism Research in Practice (Routledge, 2022)

Hanitzsch, Thomas and Wahl-Jorgensen, Karin, The Handbook of Journalism Studies (Routledge, 2020)

Jones, Janet and Salter, Lee, Digital Journalism (Sage, 2011)

Lee-Wright, Peter, Changing Journalism (Taylor&Francis, 2011)

Rudin, Richard, Broadcasting in the 21st Century (Bloomsbury, 2011)

Schudson, Michael, Why Democracies Need an Unlovable Press (Polity, 2008)

None

In a time of Post-Truth and Fake News, it is vital to understand the place of journalism in the wider world. In this module, globalisation, ownership, control and regulation are key areas students will be encouraged to research and discuss with their course colleagues. The module also assesses the place of journalism within the political process, looking at sources, balance, news values and editorial pressures.

Students will also analyse the history, development and future of sports broadcasting, regulation and ownership and its importance, both socially and politically, on a local and global scale.