Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 5-8-2026

Major

Journalism

Minor

Sports Communication & Marketing

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Carol Terracina-Hartman, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Marcie Hinton, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Ms. Leigh Wright, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

This study investigates media framing as it relates to name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal in men’s college basketball. This study serves as an introductory point for future framing research surrounding NIL and the transfer portal, two topics that have not been thoroughly researched up to this point. While the analysis does reveal previously unrecorded frames, the data and study as a whole serve as foundational tools for future research and are not conclusive regarding these specific topics and their usage within framing research. Through the deductive coding of articles published by ESPN throughout the last five college basketball seasons, a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed in an attempt to determine how these issues have been framed since their introduction to the sport. In theory, the cluster analysis should reveal underlying media frames in the sample, providing data that should point toward conclusions regarding how media outlets may be shaping public perception surrounding these issues.

Download

Share

COinS