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The role of the media in influencing residents' support for the 2012 Olympic Games

Brent W. Ritchie (The School of Tourism, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)
Richard Shipway (The School of Services Management, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK)
P. Monica Chien (The School of Tourism, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)

International Journal of Event and Festival Management

ISSN: 1758-2954

Article publication date: 22 October 2010

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the media on residents's support of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games within the two respective communities of Weymouth and Portland in England and in doing so better understand what influences residents' support for mega events.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was employed using a systematic random sampling method. A drop and collect technique with self‐completion surveys was used. A total of 404 completed surveys were returned. Logistical regression was used to examine the influence of the media on overall event support.

Findings

Although residents were supportive of hosting the event in the local area their overall support was influenced by their perceptions of the media portrayal. Those respondents who perceive the event portrayal as fair were much more in favour of hosting the event than other groups of respondents. The type of portrayal in the local media was not significant.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of media exposure and attitudes toward the media were not examined. Future research is needed on how the media present and frame issues related to mega sport event hosting, and whether involvement or commitment influences residents' media perceptions and overall event support.

Practical implications

Fairness in reporting appears to be a greater influencing factor than the type of media coverage (positive, negative, and neutral). This suggests the need for open communication of the costs as well as the benefits from event organisers and unbiased reporting from media sources.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to examine the influence of the media on residents' support for mega sporting events. It proposes future research directions to explore this neglected area.

Keywords

Citation

Ritchie, B.W., Shipway, R. and Monica Chien, P. (2010), "The role of the media in influencing residents' support for the 2012 Olympic Games", International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 202-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/17852951011078014

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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