Responsible Sport Broadcasting: mapping approaches used to navigate complex challenges

Author - Alison Biscoe

Centre for Sport and Human Rights

Broadcasting is the foundation of the sport industry, bringing the thrill of the game to fans across the globe. However, the nature of sport broadcasting is rapidly evolving. Today, broadcasters are not just storytellers - they are key players in addressing complex, multifaceted issues that extend beyond the game itself.

Social justice issues, political considerations, and societal challenges intersect more and more with sport, and broadcasters are increasingly finding themselves operating in unpredictable environments and responding to complex questions, often live on air. 

How can broadcasters effectively respond to these challenges when they arise? 

This new framework is designed to address these questions. Launched as a consultation version, the methodology is designed to support broadcasters in maintaining a smooth production without compromising their responsibility to cover sensitive topics with depth and care, the framework is structured into two main parts:

1. KEY QUESTIONS:

A set of questions to support broadcasters in identifying potential editorial and operational issues and then determine to what extent these issues can be addressed by, or may impact, the broadcast.

2. MAPPING EXERCISE:

A compilation of examples from interviews with broadcasters, as well as desk research, which maps how broadcasters are responding to these issues.

This document has been developed by the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) and the TV Industry Human Rights Forum (TVIHRF), with input from Sky Sports. 

Now we need your input!

Anyone working in or around sport broadcasting is invited to download the framework. We would also welcome feedback on the following questions (available as an Appendix):