TY - JOUR
T1 - It's a numbers game
T2 - Change in the frequency, type, and presentation form of statistics used in NFL broadcasts
AU - Hahn, Dustin A.
AU - VanDyke, Matthew S.
AU - Cummins, R. Glenn
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Human Kinetics, Inc.
PY - 2018/12/1
Y1 - 2018/12/1
N2 - Although scholars have examined numerous facets of broadcast sports, limited research has explored the use of statistics in these broadcasts. Reference to statistical summaries of athlete or team performance have long been a component of sport broadcasts, and for some viewers the rise of fantasy sport has led to even greater interest in quantitative measures of athlete or team performance. To examine the presence and nature of statistical references in sport broadcasts, this study examines National Football League telecasts over time to identify changes in the frequency, type, and presentation form of statistics. Findings revealed an emphasis on individual player statistics over team statistics, as well as an increase in on-screen graphics over time. The study also revealed a simultaneous decrease in statistical references relayed orally by broadcasters. These findings illustrate the importance of statistics as a storytelling tool, as well as reflecting technological innovations in sports broadcasting. In addition, they suggest a possible evolution in audience consumption habits and desires.
AB - Although scholars have examined numerous facets of broadcast sports, limited research has explored the use of statistics in these broadcasts. Reference to statistical summaries of athlete or team performance have long been a component of sport broadcasts, and for some viewers the rise of fantasy sport has led to even greater interest in quantitative measures of athlete or team performance. To examine the presence and nature of statistical references in sport broadcasts, this study examines National Football League telecasts over time to identify changes in the frequency, type, and presentation form of statistics. Findings revealed an emphasis on individual player statistics over team statistics, as well as an increase in on-screen graphics over time. The study also revealed a simultaneous decrease in statistical references relayed orally by broadcasters. These findings illustrate the importance of statistics as a storytelling tool, as well as reflecting technological innovations in sports broadcasting. In addition, they suggest a possible evolution in audience consumption habits and desires.
KW - National football league
KW - Player
KW - Team
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85059513308&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1123/ijsc.2018-0107
DO - 10.1123/ijsc.2018-0107
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85059513308
VL - 11
SP - 482
EP - 502
JO - International Journal of Sport Communication
JF - International Journal of Sport Communication
SN - 1936-3915
IS - 4
ER -