What effect can media coverage have on public perception and participation in sport?

• A. It can distort representation or create pressure
• B. It raises awareness and drives participation
• C. Both A and B
• D. It has no impact on public perception

Answer: (C)

Media coverage shapes how people think about sport and can influence whether they decide to take part. It can distort representation by spotlighting a narrow range of athletes or stories and by sensationalising events, which can create pressure on performers and fans and skew public expectations. At the same time, it raises awareness of opportunities, clubs, events, and pathways into sport, and it highlights role models and campaigns that encourage participation. Because media can both distort images and promote participation, this combination of effects is why the option describing both is the best fit.