How can media outlets and athletes foster healthy, mutually-respectful relations? How can media avoid getting predictable, prepared answers from athletes? As the Vancouver Games approach, these are just two of several timely questions that athletes, journalists and academics will explore at “Athlete-Media Relations,” a panel discussion to be held November 17th at the Faculty of Physical Education and Health (FPEH) from 2:00-3:30pm in room 307 of the Benson Building.
Olympian Rosie McLennan, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s program manager, marketing Jen Button and CBC commentator and Blues swim coach Byron McDonald are confirmed to speak. Organizer and FPEH professor Margaret MacNeill’s goals for the discussion include: creating a better mutual understanding about issues such as pressures on athletes at major events, the need to create compelling sport stories, and the importance of supporting and following athletes’ stories from the onset of their careers, before they win medals on the world stage. All are welcome. More details about speakers and subjects to come.