Abstract

This study delves into the edgy and often tense relationship between sports organizations and sports media in Egypt. The study confirms how this relationship, which is usually known as being "symbiotic", based on mutual benefits, has now become a burden on the two sides in their day-to-day working relationship. The study is based on qualitative research with data collected through in-depth interviews. A purposive sample of journalists and members of sports organizations were selected to discuss the reasons behind the broken symbiotic ties which led to the relationship being at stake. The study also aims at finding solutions and recommendations for a way out, a chance for a stronger and more beneficial relationship between sports media and sports organizations. Most of the findings came in relation to the review of the literature of other experiences, confirming the problems and sharing the same insights for suggested solutions. The findings showed that both stakeholders equally share responsibility for their relationship which is currently on the edge and at risk. Sports media are blamed for publishing negative stories, favoring some sports more than others, breaking rules and protocols, fabricating stories, invading privacy, and inaccuracy. On the other hand, sports organizations were found to be unfriendly to the media, favoring some journalists more than others and media organizations over others, hiding information, and the unavailability of a media officer, spokesperson or efficient media departments. The findings led to the recommendation of an official sports media policy to be enacted within Egyptian sports federations. The policy is expected to describe in detail the duties, responsibilities and limits of each side. The challenge here is not in creating a media relations policy but that it becomes an effective one, not just a document placed on shelves or in drawers. Both stakeholders have showed their willingness to respect and abide by the policy's regulations for the sake of a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship. Accordingly, informed by the participants, this study suggests guidelines to an effective media policy for sports organizations, a policy which would serve as a regulatory tool that would monitor and control the relationship between sports and media so that each stakeholder gets a fair share of the symbiotic relationship.

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Public Policy

Graduation Date

2-1-2015

Submission Date

January 2015

First Advisor

Barsoum, Ghada

Committee Member 1

Allam, Rasha

Committee Member 2

Amin, Khaled

Extent

80 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Mass media and sports -- Egypt -- 21st century.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Sports jourlism -- Egypt -- 21st century.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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