Sports coverage involves writing and broadcasting about sport. It is usually aimed at readers and listeners who are enthusiastic about the sport which is being covered. They expect the reporter to have accurate information and good judgment. They want the writer or broadcaster to praise the sport and its successes, but also to criticise its shortcomings and failures. They like to know what is required to be successful in the sport, and how success is measured. They are interested in knowing the decisions which sports managers and coaches make and should make. They want to know how the sport is run and regulated, and they pass judgment on the performance of sports administrators, referees and umpires.
In developed countries it is usual for more people to watch sport than to play it. A newspaper, radio or television station will give the most space to the sport which attracts the greatest number of spectators. It will decide cautiously whether a less popular sport should be given any space at all.
The money which a newspaper, radio or television station receives for its sports coverage is obtained from subscriptions and advertising. Some of this money may be passed to players in the form of salaries. The greater the interest in a sport, the higher the fees which can be charged for its coverage.
In the past it was often said that a television or radio station could charge huge fees for the right to broadcast top sporting events because there were always enough people who wanted to see or hear about these games. However, the popularity of certain sports has declined and there are fewer viewers or listeners than in the past. As a result, some sports broadcasters have been forced to cut back on their sports coverage.