Objective: The purpose of this study is to design a government-centered media model for empowering emerging sports startups in Iran.
Method: Given the increasing importance of the media in establishing social standing, strengthening symbolic capital, and developing the startup market, this study has attempted to explore the role of official media policymaking and structural interaction with the sports innovation ecosystem. The qualitative research method employed a thematic analysis approach, and the instrument consisted of semi-structured interviews with 18 experts in the fields of media, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Results: The analysis process was conducted using an inductive approach, and a total of 4 overarching themes, 13 organizing themes, and 36 basic themes were extracted. The identified overarching themes are: government macro-policymaking in the media field, weak media infrastructure to support startups, communication breakdown between the media and startup founders, and hidden media capacities to support sports innovation. The findings showed that inefficiency in media policy, lack of a formal communication platform, weak narrative skills, and failure to exploit new media capacities are among the most important obstacles to the visibility and growth of sports startups. Furthermore, the conceptual model designed in this research illustrates a modifiable cycle in which media capacities can play a regenerative role in policymaking.
Conclusions: Based on field data and empirical background, the present study has presented suggestions for developing a national narrative document, launching sports media literacy centers, and reforming the mission of the national media. These findings can serve as a basis for cultural policymaking in the field of sports and innovation.