INNOVATION IN SPORTS MEDIA CONTENT PRODUCTION: an ESPN Brasil case study

INOVAÇÃO EM PRODUÇÃO DE CONTEÚDO NA MÍDIA ESPORTIVA: o caso da ESPN do Brasil

INNOVACIÓN EN PRODUCCIÓN DE CONTENIDOS EN MEDIOS DEPORTIVOS: estudio de caso de ESPN Brasil

ABSTRACT

This article investigates the innovation in sports content production by ESPN Brasil over the last decade as it makes changes to its media ecosystem. Qualitative research is the chosen methodology for this paper. Three criteria were established based on theoretical-conceptual perspectives on innovation in journalism: contextualization, engagement, and digital technologies. The data was collected from semi-structured interviews with professionals related to the case under study. It appears that experiments in content production are not separate from other issues in the media industry, such as the crisis in business models and the need for strategic leadership for innovation. The uncontainable pursuit of innovation is just as risky as remaining stagnant, and innovation must be in line with the media company’s main goal.

Key words
Innovation in journalism; Content production; ESPN Brasil; Sports journalism