Disability, the Media and the Paralympic Games

This book explores the ground-breaking coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games by Channel 4, which shifted attitudes towards people with disabilities. It examines the media's role in bringing a marginalized group into the mainstream, featuring interviews with key people and organizational archives. It also looks at coverage of the Rio Paralympics and changing global perceptions of disability through sport.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the groundbreaking coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games by the UK's publicly owned but commercially funded Channel 4 network, which sparked a remarkable transformation in attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. It offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of media production and its complex interplay with sport and society at large. Through a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from political economy and cultural studies, the book explores the compelling reasons and processes that led to the inclusion of a marginalized group in the mainstream media.

Featuring interviews with key figures involved in television and digital production structures, as well as organizational archives, the book provides a deep understanding of the interplay between creativity and commerce, editorial and marketing workflows, and the creation of meaning. Additionally, it examines the coverage of the Rio Paralympics and looks ahead to the Tokyo Games, shedding light on changing global perceptions of disability through sport.

This captivating book is a must-read for advanced students, researchers, sport management professionals, and media enthusiasts seeking to enhance their understanding of the media production process and the profound impact of sport and disability in society.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367524166