"Intellectuals" and "jocks" in the soccer commentators' booth in Israel

The current study examines two recent developments in the production of soccer coverage in the Israeli media: (a) the introduction of "intellectuals" and soccer "jocks" to the soccer commentators' booth, and (b) the debate about soccer commentary that has followed this trend. These developments are delineated from the perspective of the commentators themselves through in-depth interviews and a systematic survey of their statements in the media. The interpretations offered of the commentators' accounts are multidimensional and draw on theories of postmodernity, social relations of power, and professional systems. While the engagement of these paraprofessional journalists in soccer commentating is seen to exemplify postmodern processes of de-differentiation, the debate about soccer commentary is also seen to reflect on the commentators' class and professional background.