Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

The Development of a Professional News Coverage Model in Sports Media: A Grounded Theory Focused on Professional Ethics

Articles in Press

Authors

Ruhollah pouramini 1
Majid Khorvash 2
Elham Moshkelgosha 3

1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Mobarakeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Mobarakeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
Professional ethics in sports media plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, fairness, and accountability of sports news reporting, significantly shaping audience trust and the credibility of the media. The primary aim of this study is to propose a specialized model for news coverage in Iranian sports media, with a strong emphasis on professional ethics. Adopting Charmaz’s (2006) constructivist grounded theory approach, this qualitative research gathered data through purposive sampling, combined with the snowball sampling technique. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 experts in sports management, communication, and media, with the sample size determined by theoretical saturation. Data analysis was facilitated using NVivo V.12 software for systematic manual coding. The findings suggest that the proposed professional model for sports media news coverage, grounded in professional ethics, comprises five key components: producing content with a localized focus, fostering effective interaction with the target audience, diversifying content and programming, continuously adapting to audience needs, and aligning content and language with audience preferences. This model emphasizes the importance of ethically accurate and truthful reporting of sports events, while also ensuring responsiveness to audience needs and feedback. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of developing content that respects audience rights and reflects professional ethical standards. Key recommendations include expanding localized news coverage and organizing interactive events to enhance audience engagement.


Keywords

News Coverage
Sports Media
professional ethics
Sports Communication
constructivism
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Research in Sports Management and Movement Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 October 2020