Identification of IRIB's Dysfunctions in Sports Area Using the Delphi Technique

Using qualitative research strategy and the Delphi technique, this study aimed to identify the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting's (IRIB) dysfunctions in sports area. The data were collected through two steps. In the first step, a list of propositions pertaining to the media dysfunctions was prepared through searching bibliographic resources and theories on the communication area. Then in the second step, the elicited propositions were used as a baseline for preparing a semi-structured questionnaire, and the Delphi Technique was used to collect expert's opinions about these propositions. The first and second steps included 20 and 17 experts, respectively. Members of the Group of experts included academic experts in the fields of sport management, media management, public administration and communication and executive experts who have more than fifteen years of experience in the field of media and sports that were selected by purposive sampling. Totally, 18 propositions were confirmed by at least 60% of experts, and six propositions failed to reach the minimum consensus. Eight propositions are consistent with the assumptions of agenda setting theory, three propositions are consistent with the assumptions of use & gratification theory and other propositions are consistent with the assumptions of framing theory, dependency theory, social identity theory, hegemonic theory and disposition based theory. The findings demonstrated that TV, as a media, was not solely an effective phenomenon in sports; however, despite its many positive functions, it had several undesirable functions which have not been dealt with enough so far. Ignoring such functional deviations can diminish even the ideal functions of this media in comparison with its various dysfunctions in sports area.