DISCOURSE STRUCTURE OF THE SPORTS REPORT OF THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP IN KENYAN NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

Sports discourse is one of the most common types of discourses today. The 2022 FIFA world Cup games in Qatar was a matter of contention. One area that reflected the power of discourse was that it created the space for journalists and NGOs to highlight issues that might otherwise have remained out of sight. This study focused on discourse structure of the sports report of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Kenyan Newspapers. The study applied Fairclough’s (1992, 2001) and Van Djik (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis Theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population for this study was 2022 FIFA World Cup football reports in Kenyan newspapers. The study employed purposive sampling procedures. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources through an observation sheet. Data analysis was analyzed qualitatively by means of textual analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the discourse structure of sports news has three main structures the topic/headline, lead and the main event. The study recommends that since the sports news is highly ideological specific institutions of newspapers should provide a strong check and balance on the publication of news to ensure objective representation of news. It is hoped that the study adds knowledge to linguistics and media and communication.