ESPN’s take on negative aspects of sports.
How the framing theory contributes to morning programs
ESPN has morning sports programs that focus on game highlights and up-to-date sports news on teams and players. Since the agenda-setting and framing theories are used, mass communication plays a part in the major sports network. ESPN aims to present and provide information and viewpoints on sports-related issues. Whether or not we agree with the views shared by a panel of former athletes and sports journalists, the emphasis appears to be on the negative side of things. These morning programs should frame their sports-related stories and highlight more objectivity and a positive spin on some subjects. Framing theory focuses on how the media packages and communicates information to the general public. This theory also suggests that the way something is communicated to an audience has an impact on how people process information. When I watch these TV shows first thing in the morning, I get a distinct impression that they are framing stories to highlight how poorly owners, athletes, or teams perform and act.
The Dallas Cowboys, for example, would not agree to a high-paying contract extension with their quarterback, Dak Prescott. Multiple morning shows on ESPN framed the story as the owner being cheap and not wanting Dak Prescott to be a franchise quarterback long-term. There was no factual evidence or interviews with the owner to support this claim, but they went with it because their intention is to report whatever they want about a major sports team to gather a large audience. In the end, Prescott and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year deal worth $160 million with $126 million guaranteed. This framing style may affect ESPN’s morning sports show’s credibility, and viewers may likely become less interested in watching as a result. In a study, it shows thats it is the most common reason Americans gave for giving up on TV programs.
ESPN’s sports-related framing strategies could be more positive, which might lead to more followers. I believe that not every sports subject should have a negative aspect and that panelist disagreements could be avoided if credible facts and thorough reporting were available. I would like to see more ESPN morning sports shows take a lighter approach to sports-related topics in the long run.
