Date Approved

6-12-1997

Embargo Period

8-29-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Public Relations

Department

Public Relations & Advertising

College

Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts

Advisor

Fulginiti, Anthony

Subject(s)

College athletes; Interviewing in journalism; Interviewing on radio; Interviewing on television

Disciplines

Public Relations and Advertising

Abstract

This thesis sought to determine if sports information directors were preparing their student athletes for media interviews. The author surveyed SIDs and student athletes from 30 different ECAC institutions sponsoring men's basketball. Also surveyed were newspaper reporters who cover the respective schools. A major portion of the survey involved the amount of media training SIDs conduct for their student-athletes.

Two-thirds of the 18 SIDs said they trained their student athletes for interviews. The most common technique SIDs used was one-on-one meetings with the student athletes. Representing the team in a positive light was the most Common subject stressed to the student-athlete by the SID.

Over 70 percent of the SIDs said the head coach does not have the final say for a request to interview their student-athletes. About half the SIDs said they have the final say, whereas almost half the student-athletes indicated they have the final word.

Of the 18 SIDs surveyed in this study, close to 50 percent said they were doing a good job preparing student-athletes for interviews. More than 60 percent of the student-athletes said their SID was doing a good job, while over 70 percent of the reporters indicated the SID was effective at preparing student-athletes for interviews.

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