Media Sources as Foundations of Positive Influence and Effects to Professional Sports Essay Example

began in 1988 when sports journalist Tom Boswell accused Jose Canseco, a top contender for the most valuable player title at that time, of achieving his position through the use of performance enhancing drugs (Baseball’s Steroid Era).

Since then, the media has increased public awareness of the potential use of steroids in professional sports, and even today, reports of steroid scandals in baseball continue to emerge. One prominent case involved Barry Bonds, a well-known baseball player renowned for his home run record. In court, he was implicated in steroid use after positive urine test results were presented (Henderson). This serves as evidence that despite the passing decades, instances of steroid use have not been eliminated from professional sports. Sports media outlets consistently publish critical stories about steroid use while refraining from endorsing its improper usage. At first glance, these actions by the sports media may seem detrimental to public acceptance and fandom of professional sports since fans may question the integrity of games and athletes.

The media's influence on professional sports, particularly in Major League Baseball (MLB), has resulted in positive changes concerning performance enhancing drugs. MLB has responded to drug scandals by implementing several updates to its drug policies. These revisions are intended to strengthen penalties and discourage the usage of illegal substances like performance-enhancing drugs, marijuana, and cocaine. Additionally, MLB has enhanced its partnership with authorities and improved transparency during drug testing events.

The leaders of the organization are constantly concerned with improving the policy as necessary. The media has positively impacted professional sports organizations and players by taking appropriate action to reduce unfair play caused by performance-enhancing drugs. Furthermore, the media indirectly safeguards athletes from

the detrimental effects of illegal drugs on health, making them less enticing. Another positive role played by the media in shaping professional sports is linked to the global economic crisis. It is widely acknowledged that this crisis has affected everyone, including corporations. Consequently, sales and revenues have declined and some companies have faced bankruptcy or complete closure. Professional sports have also experienced repercussions from this economic crisis, specifically a decrease in sponsorship opportunities provided by companies in recent years (University of Pennsylvania 1).

Due to the economic crisis, companies are opting to cut their budget in order to ensure financial stability. Consequently, ticket sales for professional sports organizations have declined as the general public is also affected by this situation. The survival of the professional sports market depends on retaining a significant number of fans who are willing to invest even during challenging economic times. Thus, the role of sports media becomes crucial in maintaining public interest and ensuring a consistent source of income for professional sports. By generating sufficient public interest, people will still be motivated to save money and attend major sports events. This helps create an enduring fan base and provides steady revenue for professional sports.

The influence of media on professional sports is significant. It can make sponsorship providers reconsider advertising at professional sports events. The media provides constant fan support, even during tough times, giving hope to professional sports organizations and teams. This calls for organizations and teams to take further actions to increase success during an economic crisis. Many professional sports organizations, teams, and groups have already responded to the crisis by implementing actions. For instance, they have lowered ticket

prices for live events and taken advantage of the economic downturn to negotiate better deals with athletes and sponsors (University of Pennsylvania 3). In conclusion, media has historically had a considerable impact on professional sports, and this remains true in the past 20 years.

Despite serving as both a positive and negative influence, the majority of media effects can be viewed as positive, as observed from the past 20 years until present. One crucial role of media is to expose the use of performance enhancing drugs and shed light on unfair play that was previously overlooked. Moreover, consistent coverage of illegal drugs in sports has motivated organizations to enhance their drug policies. By advocating for the elimination of performance enhancing drugs, media has played a part in preventing potential consequences that could arise from widespread usage by athletes.

In addition, the impact and outcomes of media are apparent in ensuring the financial stability and success of professional sports during times of global economic crisis. Through sustaining a high level of viewer interest, media helps mitigate the repercussions caused by economic downturns.

Undoubtedly, the media's influence on professional sports has been significant in recent decades and is expected to persist in the future.