Journalistic Coverage of Women’s Sports Topics on Iraqi Websites

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to identify the nature of journalistic coverage of women’s sports topics on Iraqi websites, highlighting the journalistic methods and techniques employed and understanding the orientation of such coverage. It also seeks to shed light on the importance of digital media in presenting and discussing women’s sports issues and to evaluate the level of attention these websites give to them.
Methodology: The researcher adopted the descriptive analytical method using a survey approach through a content analysis form. The research population included the websites of the newspapers Al-Zaman and Al-Mada, which covered women’s sports topics during the period from 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022. The analysis form included major and subcategories related to types of sports, topics addressed, journalistic treatment methods and styles, coverage orientations, and typographic elements used to support the content.
Results: The findings indicated that Iraqi websites focused significantly on women’s sports topics. Athletics, football, and chess were among the most prominent sports covered. Sports clubs, competitions, and achievements were the most frequently discussed themes. The websites primarily employed in-depth journalistic treatment and the news style, with a clear tendency toward a positive orientation in coverage. Typographic elements such as headlines, colors, and thematic images were used to support the content, reflecting the websites’ interest in highlighting women’s sports and encouraging women’s participation in the sports field.
Conclusion: The results indicate that Iraqi websites pay considerable attention to women’s sports topics, with a preference for in-depth coverage and a news-oriented style. The positive orientation reflects an effort to encourage women’s participation in sports activities. Moreover, typographic elements play a role in enhancing the clarity and impact of the published content, demonstrating the awareness of these websites of their role in supporting women’s sports and promoting a balanced sports culture between genders.