抄録
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the need for media training among athletes in Japan. This study was the culmination of a two part project. In order to examine the need for media training, the first data set was collected from Japanese national athletic federations, using survey questionnaires. The results indicate that approximately 80% of the national athletic federations need media training for athletes and coaches. Further qualitative interviews were also conducted with two informants in order to gain insights into the relationships between the media and the national athletic federations. The second data collection was conducted with three interviewees who work at broadcasting companies. The results indicate there are specific needs for media training among athletes in terms of promoting (1) a better understanding of sport media and (2) an appropriate response to media interviews. We believe the findings and results will make a significant contribution to the study of athletes’ media training, impression management, public relations, and branding.
