In the technological world we live in today, we are seeing how practically all aspects of life are being changed to adapt to the exponentially growing interconnectivity of the world that is in result of new technology and humans dependency on it.
There is no place this concept is more adamant han the Sports Industry. The fact that the NFL has a built in obligation upon a player signing with a team that they must speak to media at certain times, truly proves the importance of the branch of media in the changing sports industry.
All over the world in the area of sports, we wonder whether media has become too important in this industry. Does the fact that we are putting such a high importance on media take away from the true meaning of the game? Have we started to lose the true passion behind sports and replaced it with a consumer demand?
Do we require athletes to talk to media in order to publicize them more, thus creating more revenue for the leagues? (i.e. NFL)
Should we continue to have times that athletes are obligated to speak to media? (i.e. After tough losses)
-Neeka Hodaie
http://sidelinesapp.com/item/do-professional-athletes-have-an-obligation-to-speak-with-the-media/
sportsandmediasite 
Athletes should absolutely be required to talk to the media after every game if it is requested, even after tough losses. Although the sport is their livelihood and their career, ultimately the sport is entertainment for the fans and part of the contract they sign is to talk to the media following every game so the fans (via the media) can understand what their favorite fans are thinking and saying following that tough loss or win. When players like Marshawn Lynch refuse to talk to the media because he’s shy and doesn’t like to express his feelings, its quite frankly ridiculous because he signed a contract for millions of dollars that will follow the rules of the NFL , which clearly states he must talk to the media when necessary.
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I agree that for the amount of money they make they should probably not complain about little things they don’t always want to do. With that being said, he states over and over again that he doesn’t like to speak to media because of how they corrupt stories and how they sometimes portray athletes (such as his teammate Richard Sherman)
-Neeka Hodaie
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Media helps drive the sports entertainment industry and is an aspect of sports that has been prevalent throughout the history of sports. Similar to what Mathew said, these athletes sign contracts and are thereby employees, having to follow the designed set of rules. Athletes talking to the media helps gives fans an inside look into the game and particular players.
-Ben
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I agree, it helps the fan connect more. However, some people do not believe it should even be in their contract in the first place and argue that leagues should take it out
-Neeka Hodaie
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It seems like when players talk to the media, they´re creating more of a story which is then easier to produce and sell.
It´s a lot easier to watch the Olymips if you´re following a few athletes in particular regardless of the sport they play.
You may have no interest in watching downhill skiing for example (and the media might know this as well) but if the media can interview an athlete in the event and tell a great story with the interview, you may be more likely to watch the event.
In this way, more value is created around the event because the media was able to sell a story with interviews. As a result, the broadcast of the event itself will gain more attraction and rec0gnition.
It then seems to be a win-win-win for the sport, athletes, and the media when athletes speak to the media.
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I agree that it creates more revenue for all parties involved, however, often times players get fined and criticized greatly for not speaking to media after tough losses where they are very emotional so thats when the negative effects play in.
-Neeka Hodaie
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Neeka, I find this topic very interesting because not of how much is said, rather who is talking. In my opinion, it’s just as important for player to talk, and coaches and owners alike. I think this all trickles down to the power of media, however I think it also plays a role in transparency within leagues that we often don’t see.
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Thank you! I like your point about how this is beneficial in encouraging transparency within leagues, as we have seen this is something that should be valued.
-Neeka Hodaie
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