Sports are the activities in which people compete against each other. These activities are known as “sports” because they are performed under rules and conditions. Moreover, they are supervised by a recognised organisational structure. The rules and standards of the sport also help to shape the emotional experiences of the participants. This adds a sense of formality and organization to the whole process.
Print media devotes much space to sports coverage, sometimes as a supplement to the main news section. Even the august New York Times has bulky sports sections, and in the early 20th century, sports papers began to emerge in many countries. Among these newspapers is L’Equipe (Paris), which dates back to the early twentieth century.
The relationship between sports and mass media is a complex one. Both have long been intertwined and have influenced each other. In the 20th century, sports became an increasingly important part of mass media, as mass media outlets were able to reach a wider range of audience through new technologies and market expansion. In addition, sports attracted a growing number of paying spectators. Consequently, commercial mass media began to view sports as an inexpensive source of content and an excellent opportunity to capture audiences for advertising. On the other hand, state and public media recognized sporting events as opportunities to promote national culture and patriotism.
In the 21st century, sports have become an integral part of globalization. Transnational corporations have sought to promote and sell sports to the broadest possible range of consumers. As a result, modern sports are not only sources of pleasure but also symbols of power and prestige.
