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⚽sports journalism review

The Athletic

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Athletic is a subscription-based sports news website that provides in-depth coverage of various sports, teams, and athletes. Its unique approach focuses on delivering high-quality journalism without the distractions of advertisements, catering to serious sports fans who seek comprehensive analysis and reporting. By employing a team of knowledgeable writers and insiders, The Athletic aims to elevate sports journalism and offer exclusive content that traditional media may not cover in depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Founded in 2016, The Athletic quickly gained popularity for its thorough coverage of sports at local and national levels.
  2. The platform is known for employing experienced sports writers who often have a background in major newspapers or sports networks.
  3. The Athletic emphasizes long-form articles and features, providing detailed insights into teams, players, and trends within the sports world.
  4. It covers a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and more, appealing to diverse sports audiences.
  5. The website has expanded internationally, offering localized content in various countries to cater to global sports fans.

Review Questions

  • How does The Athletic differentiate itself from traditional sports media outlets?
    • The Athletic stands out from traditional sports media by using a subscription model that eliminates advertisements, allowing for a focus on high-quality content. This approach enables them to invest in experienced writers who provide in-depth coverage and analysis of sports events. Additionally, The Athletic prioritizes long-form journalism over quick news updates, offering readers comprehensive insights that many other outlets may overlook.
  • Discuss the impact of The Athletic's subscription-based model on the future of sports journalism.
    • The Athletic's subscription-based model could influence the future of sports journalism by demonstrating that audiences are willing to pay for quality content without ads. As other media outlets face declining revenues from traditional advertising, they might look towards similar models that prioritize subscriber loyalty over click-driven traffic. This shift could lead to an increased focus on investigative reporting and in-depth coverage as outlets cater to an audience that values substantive analysis over sensational headlines.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of The Athletic's strategy in fostering a dedicated readership among serious sports fans.
    • The effectiveness of The Athletic's strategy lies in its commitment to delivering high-quality journalism tailored for dedicated sports fans. By offering exclusive articles and insights from seasoned writers, it creates a sense of community among subscribers who appreciate thoughtful analysis. This strategy not only fosters loyalty but also positions The Athletic as a trusted source in an increasingly crowded media landscape. As the demand for specialized content grows, this focus on depth over breadth may set a new standard for what readers expect from sports journalism.