From impartial commentator to emotional choirmaster – using the concept of liminality to theorize the departure from journalistic ‘norms’ during moments of national sporting euphoria

Abstract

This paper seeks to offer a fresh perspective on the role of sports journalists during moments of euphoria linked to high-profile national sporting victories. Using a novel theoretical framework that is primarily informed by Victor Turner´s work on liminality, it argues that these temporary moments of euphoria open a semantic space and meaning horizon that justifies a move beyond journalistic norms around objectivity, impartiality and balance. However, while such journalistic practices may be viewed as ‘normal’, they are underpinned by a taken-for-granted ‘logic of nationalism’ that is highly political. Drawing on Weber´s ideal types we develop a theoretical framework using two examples of national euphoria, which differ significantly in terms of the actors involved, the scale of the events, and how they are represented by journalists. In this way, our paper both extends our understanding of the performative nature of liminality as well as the manner sports journalism contributes to expressions of national euphoria tied to major sporting events.