Feeling the Love: Sportscasters Score Big with Job Satisfaction

Abstract

Abstract:This study indicates that TV sportscasters (N = 272) are extremely satisfied in their jobs. Perceived organizational support and management's commitment to local sports coverage contributed to that satisfaction. Work-family conflict, role overload and job demands had little influence on sportscasters' dissatisfaction. Market size, airtime allowed and job title did not appear to influence satisfaction levels. The authors conclude that work autonomy and a perception of support from TV management is what keep sportscasters satisfied.

Welcome to the Big Leagues: Exploring Rookie Sports Broadcasters’ Adjustment to New Careers

“…Yet, studies show that sportscasters, despite industry-wide challenges, are less likely to be at risk of burnout than traditional news journalists (Cook & Banks, 1993;Dworznik, 2018;Filak & Reinardy, 2011;Reinardy, 2011Reinardy, , 2012Reinardy, , 2013Reinardy & Crawford, 2011). The key is as follows: high job satisfaction.…”

“…Although securing the first sportscasting job is a challenge, the reality of working in a professional sportscasting job can be jolting (Reinardy, 2012; Reinardy & Crawford, 2011). In addition, shrinking newsrooms across the local television landscape frequently mean additional responsibilities for staffers (Hull, 2016a; 2016b; Jones, 2018; Roberts, 2017; Stelter, 2008).…”

“…Local television sports departments are not immune and a number of stations have reduced staff and even cut out sports from the broadcast altogether (Jones, 2018; Roberts, 2017; Stelter, 2008). Local television sportscasters face increasing competition from blogs, social media, digital native organizations, and regional sports networks (Reinardy, 2012; Reinardy & Crawford, 2011). Sports scores and highlights have already been showcased on social media hours before the sports anchor starts his or her broadcast (Wong, 2019).…”

“…One popular press article stated that traditional sports journalists were simply battling for “relevancy” in the constantly evolving media landscape (McCollough, 2018). Increasing job responsibilities, lack of administrative support, and high job demands combined with work–family conflicts can be daunting for recent graduates and can lead to burnout (Reinardy, 2012; Reinardy & Crawford, 2011; Schaufeli & Enzmann, 1998). In addition, most sporting events take place on nights and weekends, meaning the journalists will often miss important family events (Gisondi, 2018).…”

Autonomy and Perceptions of Work Quality

“…For more than 50 years, researchers have examined the influences of journalists' job satisfaction, which include issues such as professional standards, editorial constraints, salary, and promotions, to name a few (Samuelson 1962;Johnstone, Slawski, and Bowman 1976;Weaver and Wilhoit 1996;McQuarrie 1999;Smucker, Whisenant, and Pedersen 2003;Hardin and Shain 2005;Underwood and Bagwell 2006;Beam 2006;Reinardy 2011aReinardy , 2012a. More specifically, previous research has shown that job satisfaction among TV news workers is contingent upon salary and job security (Ryan 2009), producing quality journalism (Beam 2006), a calm TV director (Owens and Infante 1988), budgetary issues, good journalism (Foote 1998), developing relevant stories, competent supervisors, creating news as an information outlet instead of a profit center (Price and Wulff 2005), and support from the organization (Powers 1991;Beam and Spratt 2009;Reinardy and Crawford 2011;Reinardy 2012b).…”