Towards Normalization of Women’s Football in Spanish Sports Journalism: Analysis of 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Broadcasts
A summary of the research:
The article "Towards Normalization of Women’s Football in Spanish Sports Journalism: Analysis of 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Broadcasts" by Martínez-Corcuera, Ginesta, and Frigola-Reig explores how the Spanish media portrayed the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final. This historic match, which FC Barcelona won, marked a milestone in the visibility of women’s football in Spain. The study analyzes radio and television broadcasts, revealing an overall positive portrayal of women players and the match. While instances of sexism and marginalization were minimal, subtle issues like infantilization through language ("girls" for adult players) and less comprehensive coverage compared to men’s football persisted. Nevertheless, advocacy discourses celebrating FC Barcelona’s victory as a turning point for women’s football and emphasizing its historical significance dominated the narratives.
The research highlights progress in Spanish media’s treatment of women’s football, moving away from objectification and trivialization toward narratives that promote equality and recognition. The study emphasizes the role of media in fostering the growth of women’s football, urging more equitable and professional coverage to sustain its momentum. It concludes that FC Barcelona’s success and increasing media attention have contributed to breaking gender barriers in sports journalism, though continued efforts are required to fully normalize women’s football in the media landscape.
Key Takeaways
The 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final was celebrated in Spanish media as a historic event, signaling progress in the portrayal of women’s football.
Instances of subtle sexism, such as infantilizing language, still appeared but were overshadowed by advocacy narratives promoting equality and recognition.
FC Barcelona’s victory and increasing visibility of women’s football in Spain were framed as transformative for the sport’s growth and societal acceptance.
Authors: Raul Martınez-Corcuera, Xavier Ginesta, and Joan Frigola-Reig
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