Describe the relationship between media, sponsorship and sport. Explain why this relationship is sometimes called the 'golden triangle'. [6]

Answer:

The relationship between media, sponsorship and sport is often called the "golden triangle" because the three elements are interdependent - each one supports and strengthens the other two:

1. Media provides coverage of sport, broadcasting matches, events and highlights to large audiences through television, the internet and social media. [1]
2. Sponsors pay to advertise during these broadcasts to reach the large audiences that media attracts. Their logos appear on kit, pitchside boards and during commercial breaks. [1]
3. Sponsorship money funds the sport, paying for facilities, prize money, player wages and grassroots development, which keeps the sport competitive and entertaining. [1]
4. The sport provides exciting content for the media to broadcast, maintaining viewer interest and advertising revenue. [1]
5. It is called the "golden triangle" because all three parts depend on each other in a mutually beneficial cycle. [1]
6. If one element is removed, the other two are weakened. For example, without media coverage, sponsors would lose the platform to reach consumers, so they would withdraw funding, and the sport would suffer financially. [1]