Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Media, Sports, And Society, Lawrence A. Wenner

Communication Studies Faculty Works

This chapter interrogates a research journey and the trajectory of study on media, sports, and society. Beginning with reflection on both stimulants to and motivations for this journey, the author makes a case for the necessity of interdisciplinarity in the socio-cultural study of mediated sport. Focusing on key theories, methods, and findings interwoven in his research agenda, the author summarizes key considerations in understanding (1) mediasport fan experiences, (2) dirt theory, commodification, and mega-events, (3) mediasport fan narratives, and (4) the mediasport interpellation. Moving to consideration of the larger state of play in media, sport, and society inquiry, the author …