From iMediaEthics 1, 2, 3, and Deborah Jackson's Ethics in Sport Media course website
Review by Tommy LaRose in SRM 435
During my presentation on the topic of ethics in sports media, I discussed a code of ethics set forth by the Society of Professional Journalists. The four main components of the code are as follows: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable. While I believe these are important rules for all journalists to try to live by, things are not always so cut and dry in a field where the bottom line is often who gets the story first.
The main goal of the media is to appeal to the broadest audience possible. Of course the media also aims to inform the public about current events and issues, but sometimes they are willing to take shortcuts to get a jump on a story that will generate big headlines. The question is, at what point does a journalist’s or reporter’s actions cross the line from doing their job to acting unethically? This is not a question that is easily answered. Often times, journalists have to connect the dots to get a story they can publish. While the foundation usually is, or at least should be, based upon fact, some inferences are normally necessary to get a full story. For example, Selena Roberts recently wrote an article claiming that Lolo Jones was only awarded a spot on the US Olympic Bobsled team due to her star nature and sex appeal. She went so far as to say Jones is the ratings replacement for injured ski queen Lindsey Vonn. While this is clearly an opinion on the part of Roberts (she has no affiliation with the US Bobsled Federation), I still am not quite sure if it is fair of her to publish something potentially damaging to Jones. However, without Roberts’ opinion on the matter, there would be no story to be heard. So on the one hand, opinion is somewhat necessary, but it is not always fair. I believe it is okay to publish stories based heavily on conjecture, but people should not give these stories as much credence. The problem with that is people always want a story, and the media understands that controversy sells, so they will publish whatever story they can, no matter how loosely based on fact it is. The bottom line in my opinion is intention: if a journalist intends to inform factually and not stir controversy, then the job is being done correctly.
The article on the code of ethics in sports media clearly relates to this class in many ways. It relates to leadership, publishing, and certainly public relations. Content providers strive to be leaders in the society we live in, and understanding the ethical way to go about providing content is certainly helpful.
Monday, January 27, 2014
"Peyton Manning's 'Omaha! Omaha!' Snap Count Creates Most Random Tourism Marketing Ever"
From Adweek
Review by Candynce Boney in KIN 501
During the San Diego vs. Denver NFL playoff game, quarterback Peyton Manning yelled out the play “Omaha Omaha” numerous times during the game before the ball was snapped back to him. During the game “Omaha” became a trending topic on twitter, with the tourism marketers of Omaha Nebraska tweeting “we certainly appreciate all the love from Peyton Manning #Omaha”. Marketing for tourism weren’t the only ones which saw the opportunity with Peyton’s “Omaha” play, “Omaha Steaks” also saw this as an opportunity to promote their restaurants name. One buffet in particular Omaha’s Warren Buffet is hoping for a promotional commercial from Peyton once the season comes to an end.
This is great marketing not only for Peyton Manning but the Bronco franchise as an entity. With Nebraska not having a home NFL team, marketers for the Broncos can use this as an opportunity to increase their fan base. Slowly starting with Peyton doing commercials in different businesses in Omaha, as the team and corporation begin to gain recognition in that part of the country they can begin to incorporate different athletes in their press. As sports marketers we can start to see how much social media can improve marketing abilities. With Twitter and Instagram being so popular in this day and age, sports marketers can use these tools to reach crowds all across the country, possibly other countries depending on the sport(s).
As a recent graduate with aspirations of going into sports marketing, whether it is for a professional team or a college team, it is important to stay up to date with the evolution of technology. Many times the most efficient way to reach a crowd is through social media or the Internet. A sports marketer should be able to follow the trending topics on twitter and decide whether they can relate that topic back to their company in a positive way, this will allow you to stay up to date with the constantly changing fads.
Realistically speaking, social media isn’t always the best route to take. There is also a possibility of social media hurting your company or organization more than it could help. For instance Stephanie Rice, an Olympic swimmer was criticized for a picture she posted on Instagram in a swimsuit. Which is pretty interesting because her career revolves around wearing a swimsuit. As a sport’s marketer it is important to understand the vision of your organization, doing something in the public eye that does not correspond with your company or organizations mission can be detrimental to a reputation. Therefore it is important to know how to reconcile any social issues that may arise with any of your athletes at any time during the year.
Review by Candynce Boney in KIN 501
During the San Diego vs. Denver NFL playoff game, quarterback Peyton Manning yelled out the play “Omaha Omaha” numerous times during the game before the ball was snapped back to him. During the game “Omaha” became a trending topic on twitter, with the tourism marketers of Omaha Nebraska tweeting “we certainly appreciate all the love from Peyton Manning #Omaha”. Marketing for tourism weren’t the only ones which saw the opportunity with Peyton’s “Omaha” play, “Omaha Steaks” also saw this as an opportunity to promote their restaurants name. One buffet in particular Omaha’s Warren Buffet is hoping for a promotional commercial from Peyton once the season comes to an end.
This is great marketing not only for Peyton Manning but the Bronco franchise as an entity. With Nebraska not having a home NFL team, marketers for the Broncos can use this as an opportunity to increase their fan base. Slowly starting with Peyton doing commercials in different businesses in Omaha, as the team and corporation begin to gain recognition in that part of the country they can begin to incorporate different athletes in their press. As sports marketers we can start to see how much social media can improve marketing abilities. With Twitter and Instagram being so popular in this day and age, sports marketers can use these tools to reach crowds all across the country, possibly other countries depending on the sport(s).
As a recent graduate with aspirations of going into sports marketing, whether it is for a professional team or a college team, it is important to stay up to date with the evolution of technology. Many times the most efficient way to reach a crowd is through social media or the Internet. A sports marketer should be able to follow the trending topics on twitter and decide whether they can relate that topic back to their company in a positive way, this will allow you to stay up to date with the constantly changing fads.
Realistically speaking, social media isn’t always the best route to take. There is also a possibility of social media hurting your company or organization more than it could help. For instance Stephanie Rice, an Olympic swimmer was criticized for a picture she posted on Instagram in a swimsuit. Which is pretty interesting because her career revolves around wearing a swimsuit. As a sport’s marketer it is important to understand the vision of your organization, doing something in the public eye that does not correspond with your company or organizations mission can be detrimental to a reputation. Therefore it is important to know how to reconcile any social issues that may arise with any of your athletes at any time during the year.
"Sochi Winter Olympics: Video threat emerges amid security concerns"
From CNN.com
Review by Calvin Parson, Jr. in SRM 435 (section 2)
The Winter Olympic games have been a staple in World History for over 90 years. Since 1924 athletes from around the World have gathered in one city to compete against each other in events such as skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and curling. This year, Russia has the privilege of hosting the games for the first time in history in Sochi.
As the largest resort city in Russia, known for its resorts and sports facilities, Sochi is considered an obvious choice to host a sporting event of this magnitude. However, recent terror threats against the city, as well as civil unrest between Muslim extremist groups in the North Caucasus region of the country has provided much concern for many nations around the country who are participating in the games.
On January 20, 2014 CNN reported that a video had been posted on a Jihadi forum, and in that video, threats were being made against Sochi and specifically about a planned attack during the Olympic games. The two terrorists in the video were later identified as the suicide bombers who were responsible for attacks in Volgograd, Russia in December. The article went on to promise that regardless of the unrest in the Northern part of the country and the many attacks that have happened in Russia since Sochi was announced as the host city, that the games would be safe and that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his staff were doing everything in their power to ensure and promote safety during the games.
Unlike previous Olympic games, much of the focus this year has been taken off of the events and the athletes and placed on the threats themselves. Each day, new developments are being released regarding the attacks and what the country plans to do to keep participants and tourists safe. There is no positive “hype” surrounding these games and the nostalgia that usually comes along with the Olympics is nowhere to be found. Many people are also lashing out about Russia’s views on gay rights and how all partners of the Olympics are supporting the “Homophobic Games.”
The news surrounding the threats on the games is having an affect on many aspects of the games including the promotional elements (or lack thereof.) NBC, who is broadcasting all Olympic games through 2020, has done their due diligence to promote the athletes of the games with mini videos and commercials. However, other sponsors such as McDonalds, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Visa have been ridiculed on social media for their partnerships with the Olympics. Ticket availability to events have also been cut in half compared to previous years games in hopes to aid security efforts. Travel has also been affected, as tourists are not allowed to fly directly into the city and hotels have been put on high security alert.
It is apparent that the threats are having a direct impact on the games and how they are being marketed and promoted in the media. Regardless if an attack occurs or not, the terror group in charge has instilled fear in the hearts of sports lovers around the world.
---
Review by Caroline Snedgear in SRM 435 (section 2)
This article addresses the recent threats specifically a video that has surfaced threatening the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. In the video two young men known to be involved in the suicide bombing attacks a month ago, state “we’ve prepared a present for you and all tourists who’ll come over.” These recent threats and video being released has made the public and government very concerned about the safety and security needed. Even U.S lawmakers state the games aren’t safe and wouldn’t want their families attending. This overall portrays a negative image for people traveling or thinking about attending the games. There has also been a lack of communication between the Russian and U.S. government
These threats bring up many concerns from a marketing and sales standpoint. People have already begun to boycott and this can overall affect the tickets and merchandise sales. If there is such controversy surrounding the games there is less of a chance people will want to support the games by attending this year. The city of Sochi and the Olympics in general have to make sure that they are making people aware of security and precautionary measures being put in place from a marketing standpoint for current and future concerns. With the games coming up very soon the committee will have to work very hard and make last attempts of creating a positive and safe image for the city of Sochi. The cost of the games has also risen to $45 billion where the initial budget was $12 billion due to claims that corruption was one of theses factors for pushing up the costs. Such high costs can also affect the total revenues. There has also been concern with a law that was passed outlawing “gay propaganda” where it makes it illegal to tell children about gay equality. Western leaders who have called it “archaic and discriminatory” have generally criticized this new legislation. Which has also portrayed a negative image upon the games and Russia.
The Winter Olympic games have been a staple in World History for over 90 years. Since 1924 athletes from around the World have gathered in one city to compete against each other in events such as skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and curling. This year, Russia has the privilege of hosting the games for the first time in history in Sochi.
As the largest resort city in Russia, known for its resorts and sports facilities, Sochi is considered an obvious choice to host a sporting event of this magnitude. However, recent terror threats against the city, as well as civil unrest between Muslim extremist groups in the North Caucasus region of the country has provided much concern for many nations around the country who are participating in the games.
On January 20, 2014 CNN reported that a video had been posted on a Jihadi forum, and in that video, threats were being made against Sochi and specifically about a planned attack during the Olympic games. The two terrorists in the video were later identified as the suicide bombers who were responsible for attacks in Volgograd, Russia in December. The article went on to promise that regardless of the unrest in the Northern part of the country and the many attacks that have happened in Russia since Sochi was announced as the host city, that the games would be safe and that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his staff were doing everything in their power to ensure and promote safety during the games.
Unlike previous Olympic games, much of the focus this year has been taken off of the events and the athletes and placed on the threats themselves. Each day, new developments are being released regarding the attacks and what the country plans to do to keep participants and tourists safe. There is no positive “hype” surrounding these games and the nostalgia that usually comes along with the Olympics is nowhere to be found. Many people are also lashing out about Russia’s views on gay rights and how all partners of the Olympics are supporting the “Homophobic Games.”
The news surrounding the threats on the games is having an affect on many aspects of the games including the promotional elements (or lack thereof.) NBC, who is broadcasting all Olympic games through 2020, has done their due diligence to promote the athletes of the games with mini videos and commercials. However, other sponsors such as McDonalds, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Visa have been ridiculed on social media for their partnerships with the Olympics. Ticket availability to events have also been cut in half compared to previous years games in hopes to aid security efforts. Travel has also been affected, as tourists are not allowed to fly directly into the city and hotels have been put on high security alert.
It is apparent that the threats are having a direct impact on the games and how they are being marketed and promoted in the media. Regardless if an attack occurs or not, the terror group in charge has instilled fear in the hearts of sports lovers around the world.
---
Review by Caroline Snedgear in SRM 435 (section 2)
This article addresses the recent threats specifically a video that has surfaced threatening the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. In the video two young men known to be involved in the suicide bombing attacks a month ago, state “we’ve prepared a present for you and all tourists who’ll come over.” These recent threats and video being released has made the public and government very concerned about the safety and security needed. Even U.S lawmakers state the games aren’t safe and wouldn’t want their families attending. This overall portrays a negative image for people traveling or thinking about attending the games. There has also been a lack of communication between the Russian and U.S. government
These threats bring up many concerns from a marketing and sales standpoint. People have already begun to boycott and this can overall affect the tickets and merchandise sales. If there is such controversy surrounding the games there is less of a chance people will want to support the games by attending this year. The city of Sochi and the Olympics in general have to make sure that they are making people aware of security and precautionary measures being put in place from a marketing standpoint for current and future concerns. With the games coming up very soon the committee will have to work very hard and make last attempts of creating a positive and safe image for the city of Sochi. The cost of the games has also risen to $45 billion where the initial budget was $12 billion due to claims that corruption was one of theses factors for pushing up the costs. Such high costs can also affect the total revenues. There has also been concern with a law that was passed outlawing “gay propaganda” where it makes it illegal to tell children about gay equality. Western leaders who have called it “archaic and discriminatory” have generally criticized this new legislation. Which has also portrayed a negative image upon the games and Russia.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)