| The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a perceived over-reporting and/or glorification by the media of violent acts that occur during collegiate athletic contests. A questionnaire was designed and sent to every Division I athletic director. Of the 324 questionnaires sent, 121 were returned and used for data analysis. Background information was gathered and cross-tabulated with other responses. The results were that the media of television, newspaper, radio and magazine all give too much coverage to these events. However, a majority of respondents agreed that media personalities did a good job of keeping their comments neutral, even vilifying such events, which was the opposite of the expected outcome. This survey provided initial results, which can be used for future studies in the fields of both media studies and college athletics. |
