Qualitative content analysis of coverage regarding Marlins Park and its public financing

This study examines how three South Florida news publications, Miami Herald, Sun Sentinel, and Palm Beach Post, covered Marlins Park and its public financing from the beginning of 2009 through 2013. Sports articles and non-sports articles from each publication were examined, and the two types of articles were each analyzed within two time frames -- 2009 through 2011, and 2012 through 2013. A sample of 120 articles was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study shows that while both types of articles contained positive and negative coverage on the stadium and its financing, non-sports articles presented more negative or pessimistic coverage toward the stadium’s public financing in 2009 through 2011. Sports articles presented more coverage in favor of the financing and were more descriptive of the stadium. Sports articles took a decidedly more negative view toward the stadium’s public financing after the Marlins drastically cut payroll following their 2012 season.