Communication Research Trends: Centre for the Study of Communication and Culture
I. Introduction
“Sports and the mass media enjoy a very symbiotic relationship in American society” (McChesney, 1989, p. 49). This statement holds true not only for the United States but also for most contemporary industrialized societies. The “very symbiotic relationship” between the media and sports has profoundly affected both participants. And the advertising industry forms an important part of the relationship. Both sports and mass media keep trying to reach people as spectators, fans, and consumers; both actively affect the audience as well as the advertising market (including the sponsors).