The role of the media in covering sensitive sports topics often raises questions about motives behind silence or coverage choices. Current events in sports illustrate how some stories receive sparse media attention.
WNBA Anthem Walk-Offs
During the WNBA Finals, both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the national anthem. Despite this being a significant action, major outlets like the San Jose Mercury News did not report on this event, choosing instead to praise performances like Alanis Morissette’s. OutKick journalist Dan Zaksheske has tried to raise these topics during press conferences without success.
Hostility at Valkyries Game
A notable incident occurred when XX-XY Athletics’ Jennifer Sey faced aggression at a Valkyries game for wearing a shirt supporting female sports. A video of this went viral with millions of views, yet mainstream coverage remained absent, opting to focus on other aspects of the game.
Camas High Controversy
The story of a high school athlete switching from the boys’ cross country team to the girls’ team also highlights the media’s selective coverage. Numerous outlets have covered this, yet prominent sports media platforms have stayed silent. Protests from fellow competitors have brought attention, but the response from national media remains minimal.
Media Priorities
The approach of journalists seems influenced more by peer opinion than public interest, leading to underreported stories. This tendency might indicate a preference for maintaining consensus rather than addressing contentious issues.
Matt Calkins, a columnist for OutKick, discusses these overlaps between sports and culture. His work emphasizes the need for balanced reporting, urging a reflection on what remains unwritten in sports journalism.