Traditionally, newspapers’ sports
sections were written by whites for whites, but as time has passed all that has
changed. In the article, “The Whitening of Sports Media and the Coloring of
Black Athletes’ Images,” it is addressed that not only is the percentage of
“minority” players in the major leagues not the minority anymore but the tend
is also being reflected in the fan base.
We no
longer live in the 1800’s, most Americans are literate and have interest in
sports, and as each year passes our country becomes more and more diverse. That
being said, why would it be a surprise that major fan bases are growing more
diverse? To me it simply makes sense. Now on the other side, wouldn’t it also
make sense that the reporters covering these sports be more diverse as well?
Why, yes! In fact it would; however, that is not the case. “The percentage of
sports editors who were women or people of color declined from 11.7 percent in
2008 to 9.42 percent in 2010” (Blackistone 215).
Look across
any university’s campus and find the students interested in sports journalism
or broadcasting. You will find that the majority is white males, but it is not
limited to. So I wonder, why is this specific model the majority? As we’ve
discussed in class, when it comes to beat writing it’s tough and calls for
someone willing to give up family, personal time, and sleep. I can see a pretty
homogenous group in that specific job. But I don’t see why it has to be a white
homogenous group. “Editor of…Deadspin, A.J. Daulerio, was asked by ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill last
September in New York…”Why is your staff so white?” Daulerio responded: “It’s a
white industry.” I believe that’s correct. But I also believe it’s made that
way. Yes, sports media is traditionally a white industry, but there’s no reason
for it to be any longer. I find it impossible that newspapers and websites are
not receiving any applications from non-Caucasian men and women. It’s become an
unintentional club, and “unintentional” might be stretch.
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