Problems covered up by the media in its coverage of the Tokyo Olympics

Abstract

This study analyzes the content of television news reports on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to answer three research questions: Was there a decrease in coverage of Covid-19 after the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics? Was coverage of demonstrations protesting the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics marginalized after the opening ceremony? Did coverage of sexual minority athletes increase in comparison with the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. The results of the analysis confirm a decline in Covid-19 coverage, as reportage on the competition increased. Moreover, coverage of the protests against Tokyo’s hosting was almost absent. However, coverage of sexual minority athletes was confirmed even during the short period of analysis.

In addition, a qualitative analysis of citizens' and casters' comments on the TV news was conducted. The interviews with citizens did not cover the "protest" comments about the Olympics, but mainly reported the "anxiety" and "expectation" comments. After the opening ceremony, they focused on the comments of those who hoped and cheered for the success of the athletes, and erased the comments of "anxiety" and "criticism." Although casters made critical comments before the opening ceremony, nearly 90% of them congratulated the athletes after the ceremony. Thus, the TV news presented an emotional celebration and hid people's protests and critical opinions.