The British media are no strangers to ethical controversies. Phone-hacking scandals, the Fake Sheikh, and treatment of Christopher Jefferies have all tarnished the reputation of the press in this country in recent years.
Sports Journalism, however, seems to have escaped these preconceptions. Perhaps because of the nature of the subject in question – sport is viewed as an inherently positive sphere – and the fact that it is something from which so many take great pleasure, but Sports Journalism is not without its checkered past.
Here, Joe Leavey explores the changing relationship between Sports Journalism and ethical practice in the media.
Joe is a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Birmingham, where he completed his undergraduate degree in English Literature & American Studies. Always a far more adept viewer than participant, although not for a lack of trying, Joe became heavily involved in student radio whilst at Birmingham. He served as Deputy Head of Sport, hosting regular shows on various topics and recording weekly commentaries on University sport as well as writing for the station website.
A long time fan of Arsenal, Joe has been going to the Emirates for nearly 10 years, whilst a year of studying in America helped to cement an interest in Baseball and the Chicago Cubs. Work experience at ITV, where he wrote a piece for the website, Seven League and Aser Media among others has helped Joe to gain a greater contextual understanding of the industry as a whole, and he is now studying for an MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary’s.
