Introduction
In the digital media era, numerous exciting influences have emerged from various sources of information. Not only the types of broadcasting, such as podcasts and radio programs, but also videos on the internet platforms construct the news for billions of people every day. Some of them can be considered the fundamental organizations that significantly influence other media. This research paper will examine the phenomenon of Wide World of Sports (WWOS) and its influence on the development of specific materials. Its influence will be evident in the examples of segments on YouTube, such as Real Sports and E:60. Although media platforms nowadays strive to establish their own style and independence, they still have a considerable impact from the side of media giants like WWOS.
ESPN E:60
ESPN made the first chosen segment. It concerns the athlete Cliff Devries and his story of combating severe illness (ESPN, 2019). In particular, the material narrates how this man struggles with a tumor and what outcomes this disease has had on his life. For example, the video discusses the numerous surgical procedures and operations this young man overcame (ESPN, 00:02:10).
Some facts are depicted through numbers, such as Cliff’s age and the time he spent undergoing the surgical operations. While considering the reaction from the audience, which this segment tends to have, it is essential to stress the feelings of sympathy and regret toward the story’s protagonist. Given the influence of WWOS on this segment and its narration, it is essential to emphasize the element of contrast when narrating Cliff’s biography. There are numerous comparisons between the athlete’s previous successful life and his current damaged state (ESPN, 00.01.37). Therefore, as in WWOS, this segment has techniques that evoke appropriate audience feelings.
HBO Real Sports
HBO’s segment about Dale Earnhardt is an excellent example of narrating a tragic event in a person’s life. This story conveys profound human emotions and the reactions of people to a tragic event. In particular, the segment tells the audience about the racer’s injury and explores the outcome of this tragic car crash. Notably, this segment aims to evoke emotions in people.
According to HBO (2018), “He’d sustained a severe head injury and was rushed to the hospital. There was nothing the doctors could do” (00.07.35). One should highlight the influence of WWOS depicted in the video by constructing particular dramatic moments using pictures and narration. Notably, WWOS materials are full of direct quotes, which can be considered the concept that dramatizes the rhetoric and highlights vital points of the story (Pavlou, 2023). Therefore, the segment regarding the story of Dale Earnhardt is an excellent example of techniques incorporated into the WWOS storytelling approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to note that WWOS has significantly influenced both Real Sports and E:60. Their video materials about athletes and their struggles have particular attributes that correlate with the narration style and texts of WWOS. Remarkably, one should note that these techniques are efficient and rational because they enable the media to tap into the audience’s profound feelings. Further research and comparison of different sources and their interplay are essential to understanding modern media storytelling and journalism processes.
References
ESPN. (2019). A tumor ended Cliff Devries’ Olympic dreams, but paralysis can’t stop him from diving | E:60 [Video]. YouTube. Web.
HBO. (2018). Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Concussion Battle (Full Segment) | Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel | HBO [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Pavlou, A. (2023). ‘Terrible look’: Kane Cornes blasts Tayla Harris and AFLW after brutal boxing match. Wide World of Sports. Web.