A Content Analysis of Print Media Coverage of Kenyan Football
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Date
2009
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
The relationship between Kenyan print media and Kenyan football can be said to
be symbolic. One cannot do without the other, and both benefit from this relationship.
Football is the most popular sport in the country and with the major papers in the country
recording high circulation rates ( with Daily Nation having about 250,000 copies overall!
and Standard having a circulation figure of 70,000 to 75,000 on weekdays and up to
100,000 copies on weekends2)
Although these figures might not have been this large during the 80's which was
probably the when the game was at its zenith, this huge circulation figures complement
Kenya's high literacy rates (As of 2005 according to UNESCO's database the literary
rate was 86.9% with the total percentage for females being 82.1% and males being
91.7%3). These figures are surprising given that footballs' popularity not only in Kenya,
but worldwide has mostly relied on electronic media (mainly radio and television).
This goes to show that despite electronic media leading the charge as far as
coverage of football is concerned it is safe to say that there is still a majority that still
relies on newspapers and magazines for information on local football. Hence this study
seeks to explore coverage of Kenyan football in the present situation. The study also
seeks to address the sudden decline of local football and how or what the Kenyan print
media can improve the situation
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Keywords
Media, Football