Media treatment of the phenomenon of doping in professional athletes- Analytical study of the website - Echorouk Online

Abstract

This study examined the issue of doping among professional athletes by analyzing the coverage of the online platform Echorouk Online, one of Algeria’s prominent media outlets. The study aimed to uncover the nature of the issues addressed by the platform, the stakeholders involved in combating this phenomenon, and the key sources and methods utilized in its coverage. The findings revealed that Echorouk Online focused primarily on legal and regulatory aspects, such as sanctions imposed by global sports organizations and efforts to combat doping. However, the coverage lacked attention to educational and psychological dimensions, which are crucial in curbing the phenomenon. The study also highlighted that official bodies, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and sports federations, were the primary stakeholders discussed, while the roles of families, educational institutions, and coaches were relatively overlooked. Regarding sources, the platform relied heavily on news agencies and official reports, indicating a limited use of specialized sources or field investigations. The study concluded that, despite the advancement of digital media, there is a need to expand the scope of coverage and increase focus on preventive and educational aspects to enhance the media's role in combating doping practices effectively.

In light of these findings, the study recommends the need to strengthen the role of the media in spreading awareness of the dangers of doping, while expanding the circle of media sources to include experts and specialists. It also calls for the involvement of all societal actors, including families and educational institutions, in combating this phenomenon, which threatens sports values and public health.