Sports Journalism

A History of Glory, Fame, and Technology

By: Patrick S. Washburn, Chris Lamb

Narrated by: Josh Brogadir

Patrick S. Washburn and Chris Lamb tell the full story of the past, the present, and to a degree, the future of American sports journalism. Sports Journalism chronicles how and why technology, religion, social movements, immigration, racism, sexism, social media, athletes, and sportswriters and broadcasters changed sports as well as how sports are covered and how news about sports are presented and disseminated. One of the influential factors in sports coverage is the upswing in the number of women sports reporters in the last 40 years. Sports Journalism also examines the ethics of sports journalism, how sports coverage frequently has differed from that of non-sports news, and how the internet has spawned a set of new ethical issues.

The book is published by University of Nebraska Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

“An indispensable book in expanding our understanding of sports journalism and, by extension, sports in America.” (Brian Carroll, professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Berry College)

“Not only reveals the story of American sports journalism but also illuminates the larger challenges that journalism as a whole will certainly face in the future.” (David Abrahamson, Northwestern University)

“This is the most dynamic and complete history of sports journalism that I have ever read.” (Robert Bellamy, Duquesne University)

©2020 Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Definitive history of U.S. sports journalism

There have been books written about sports journalism in the United States, and biographies composed on sports journalists, but now we finally have the definite history of sports journalism. Authors Patrick S. Washburn and Chris Lamb trace the roots of sports journalism dating back to the early eighteen century, and shows how it evolved to what we have today.

The authors set out to answer two fundamental questions, what changes occurred in sports journalism over time, and, why did those changes occur? Washburn and Lamb also examine how society has changed its attitude about sports. For example, boxing was viewed as violent and barbaric, and was frown upon by many until rule changes permitted the sport to become more attractive to sports fans.

In "Sports Journalism," the authors demonstrate how sports journalism flourished and attracted a diverse set of aspiring journalists. Washburn and Lamb establish how publications such as sports journals led to newspapers adding more sports coverage and content. Henry Chadwick, often dubbed the father of baseball, used his writings to promote the emerging game of baseball. Chadwick introduced box scores, and statistics still used today. The countless contributions made by the esteemed Grantland Rice, nicknamed "The Dean of American sports writers, to sports journalism is also examined in great detail.

The authors also illustrate how sports journalists treated segregation and racism in sports, and how the landscaped changed to incorporate women as sports reporters. Other significant changes include the introduction of radio and television, the launch of Sports Illustrated, the debut of the Wild World of Sports and Monday Night Football, and of course, the birth of the world wide leader in sports, ESPN.

Washburn and Lamb probe criticism ESPN has faced being aligned with major sports leagues, such as the network's stance on the growing concerns over concussions and injuries in the NFL. Also mentioned in the book are the many claims of sexual harassment made by ESPN employees, and how management has dealt with them.

If you ever wondered how sports journalism has changed over the years, this is the book for you. The authors look at the growing trends in sports journalism today, and ponder what the future holds. "Sports Journalism" is interesting and educational at the same time!