Quem fala sobre e pelo futebol profissional de Mato Grosso do Sul? Análise de fontes e canais de informação no jornal Correio do Estado (2015-2020)

Abstract

This study uses longitudinal research to identify and analyze the voices that were considered legitimate to speak about professional soccer in Mato Grosso do Sul state between 2015 and 2020. This analysis is limited to the sports section of Correio do Estado, the main printed newspaper in the region, which is located in the capital of Campo Grande (MS). Grounded in the concepts of journalistic sources (Lage, 2001; Soley, 1992; Gans, 2004) and information channels (Sigal, 1974), the study aims to understand the selection process and journalistic legitimization of individuals deemed qualified to discuss the topic. Using content analysis, 11,547 news items were categorized to trace the historical profile of the sources during the aforementioned period. This analysis correlates the performance of the regional journalistic field with the period of the sport's decline in Mato Grosso do Sul and its loss of prominence on the national stage. The research reveals that, although the selection of topics is somewhat diverse, the sports section of Correio do Estado primarily relies on primary sources and favors individuals directly involved in the sporting event, such as players, coaches, and managers. This approach drastically reduces the space allotted to secondary or specialized sources, which are essential for broadening the complexity of the debate. Another notable point is the hierarchy of sports, in which soccer occupies more than two-thirds of the media space, thus consolidating its position as the dominant topic. The research also revealed gender imbalances. The low percentage of women mobilized as sources (only 6%) confirms the perpetuation of structural inequalities. Another relevant finding concerns the predominance of corporate channels (96.4%) in information channels, revealing reporters' dependence on direct contact with their sources rather than more robust institutional mediation, such as press conferences or structured press offices. This situation highlights the vulnerability of the regional soccer communication ecosystem, which is characterized by a lack of professionalism among clubs.