Reasons for the marginalization of sports for people with disabilities in national television programs

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the role of television media in relation to sports for people with disabilities, highlighting the significant contribution of these sports to the national elite's performance and seeking to restore the reputation of these sports. It also aimed to examine the media landscape within the national television network and explore its internal and external roles. Our research was conducted on a sample of 30 physically disabled individuals from the wheelchair basketball team, the swimming team for people with disabilities, and the athletics team for people with disabilities in Mostaganem, as well as 10 journalists from the sports department of Algerian Television in Algiers. We adopted a descriptive methodology, as it aligns with the nature of the research topic. We utilized questionnaires, considered the most effective method for investigating the research question, and conducted interviews with the journalists. Statistically, percentages and the chi-square (χ²) test were used. The study results showed that televised sports media, across its various platforms, does not give significant attention to sports for people with disabilities. It was found that the level of competition in sports for people with disabilities plays a key role in the direction televised sports media takes it, as is the case with elite sports, which receive a greater share of coverage. Furthermore, the commercial aspect played a significant and fundamental role in directing televised sports media, and thus the latter influences sports for people with disabilities. Therefore, we recommend the necessity of developing a sports media policy based on well-studied scientific and field-based principles, and that media outlets expand their coverage of events and activities related to people with disabilities, such as seminars, conferences, workshops, and activities, to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and dimensions of disability, its consequences, and modern approaches to addressing it. We also recommend diversifying televised sports programs that focus on people with disabilities. Keywords: Sports for people with disabilities, Television, Media.