While still not getting the deserved attention, it can be said that there are more articles being written about the fascinating and often enthralling world of Associate cricket. With this in mind, does a higher level of cricket reporting lead to growth, and do journalists realise the power that they possess?
It can be argued that the way in which cricket is reported has positive and negative impacts, though there is potential that altering the way in which cricket is reported within mass media outlets can aid the growth of the sport.
The first area in which the power of the media can not be understated is the aiding of the growth of women’s cricket. Despite the fantastic ICC 2020 Women’s World Cup in Australia, in some areas of the world, women’s cricket is not deemed to be a priority, nor is it given the same level of public respect as their male counterparts. If journalists were to present an equal amount of information regarding both male and female cricket, highlighting any inequalities within the system, the general public would be more aware of the sport of cricket and the existence of any disparity within the treatment of the male and female game.
Due to the power of media, even if one person was to read an article describing an inequality and shared it with their network, public pressure would quickly build on an Association. The media can be used as a tool to aid in the battle for an equal playing field for both male and female cricketers.
However, the change required in some countries goes beyond a constitutional change. Instead, there is a requirement to change the perception regarding women’s sport as a whole. Traditionally, sporting stereotypes have been cemented through their inclusion within journalistic pieces, but if cricket is going to become more inclusive there needs to be the active move to leave any stereotypes behind. Instead, a focus on the positive aspects of a cricket match with accurate reporting and a focus on the positive performances can influence an individual’s perception of women’s cricket.
Changing the tone of reporting to a more positive style will not only help the growth of cricket as a sport, but also aid in the battle against discrimination towards women. Sport is a powerful industry and can play a role globally in helping to key social issues. Journalists have the ability to create role models, inspire a generation and grow the game globally for all.
This growth from a positive style of reporting would further aid in attracting new fans of the sport and increasing attendance figures to spectator events. The development of a sense of prestige is a major pull factor to entice people into sport. Prestige and history allow for the sport to become a respected entity within a nation and can instill a sense of national pride about their sport. Journalists have the ability to tell their nations cricketing story and present the real stories that invoke pride.
Further to this, any story published about cricket has the potential to increase awareness, either through an online global platform or a national newspaper. Educating people about cricket is something that is still needed globally, in countries that are dominated by other pre-established sports. Journalistic pieces that are able to invoke a sense of national pride and educate people about the sport of cricket are required to further grow the sport.
The points presented are not an exhaustive list, though the power of journalism can have a wide array of positive effects on developing the sport we love. Journalists have more power than ever, and it would be amazing to see them join the effort to help grow the sport. The power of developing stories with a positive reporting style can not be misunderstood and is needed for the future of cricket.
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