This insightful volume explores the major challenges facing sports journalism in Australia today, discussing how, in an environment dominated by sports organisations and increasing commercial factors, the role of the sports journalist is being severely compromised. By combining quantitative and qualitative responses from 120 sports journalists with previous research and placing these in the theoretical lenses of field and gatekeeping theories, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of Australian sports journalism. Topics discussed include ethical questions in reporting on sports, the role of women in sports journalism, and the increased commercialisation of the field, as well as journalists' perceptions on sports organisations and the changing access for media. The book also offers suggestions for the future of the industry, and two contemporary conceptual models are developed. Offering important insight into the workings of contemporary sports journalism in Australia, this book is a useful resource for academics and students around the world in the fields of journalism, media, sports and communication.

Some books on the topic of confidence offer a 'quick-fix' approach which could be summarised as 'believe in yourself'. This Pocketbook is different; it suggests that you need to arrive at a position of justified self-belief. In other words get good at something then believe in yourself. It contains tips and techniques to help you grow in confidence, grasp life's challenges and fulfil your ambitions. Confidence matters because a lack of it can stop you going after what you really want in life. The focus of this book is on acquiring real confidence, that is substantial and justifiable. Discover how to take on more challenging tasks through graded exposure, managing your mindset and tapping into your sub-personalities. The author Peter English set up his own training company almost two decades ago and over the years has found that a lack of confidence is an issue for many course participants. The advice and tips in this Pocketbook are based partly on working with those people, hearing their stories and finding ways to help them, as well as on research he has undertaken and his own experience of having once been a shy person. The Confidence Pocketbook sets out a range of confidence-building strategies and then pulls these together into an action plan. There is advise too on how to boost your confidence at short notice when faced with specific challenges (e.g. tackling a difficult conversation or making an important presentation.)

At some stage or other we all have to deal with difficult conversations. It may be to express dissatisfaction with our own treatment or give feedback on someone's poor performance. You may have to make clear a tough decision or deny a request. Saying 'no' is not easy. "The Tackling Difficult Conversations Pocketbook" will help build your confidence, reduce your anxiety and equip you with the skills to steer emotionally-fuelled conversations towards a successful outcome. It helps you learn how to communicate with authority, clarity and persuasiveness, and - through active listening, mirroring body language and other techniques - how to empathize with the other person and how to interpret what they are saying, feeling and thinking. Being clear about the outcome you desire and recognising your own responses to conflict (and managing these constructively) will be crucial to your preparations. Timing, location and seating arrangements are factors too, as this pocketbook explains.