Major Event and Festival Impacts Seminar 8: Media Impacts

Main Lessons from the Lecture Events often attract significant media attention and have played a key role in the development of the media Some events are even created purposely for the media (made for tv events) It is suggested that the media spectacle is increasingly important in a postmodern society In order to compete in an increasingly crowded and homogenised market cities, regions and nations must raise their profile and differentiate One of the main arguments behind bidding for major events is that the host city, region or nation will benefit from the media coverage generated before, during and after the event There is a widely held belief that events can help promote a positive image – but this is dependent not just on aesthetics but the ability to host and manage the event successfully Not all publicity is good publicity when it comes to events

Discussion Critically discuss the impact that media coverage of alleged doping by Tour de France riders has had on the sport of cycling more widely Critically discuss the ways in which media coverage of certain events can increase participation in sport. Think about how this peak in interest can best be managed and maintained. In the public sector discuss whether events should be bid for and developed if they only offer media benefits and do not directly impact upon the local community (think of MTV)