Sender-reader relations in live online commentary

Abstract

Online live commentary, in many ways, is similar to live TV coverage and radio broadcasts. But, as Jan Chovanec noticed, it also differentiates itself from traditional transmissions. One of the differences is the sender-reader relation. The aim of the article is to characterise this relation. As the analysis reveals, the distance between the aforementioned participants of communication is relatively smaller than in traditional media (TV and radio). This is most noticeable in the use of the first person pluralis, in the form of the inclusive WE and of direct address to the reader. The initial and final components of the text show signs of the desire to establish a kind of bond with recipients and, in the longer perspective, a lasting relationship. Another distinctive attribute of live online commentary is its interactivity. Readers can comment on the competition, cite other fans from social media, take part in contests and quizzes, rate the commentary and events on the sports field. The commentary thus becomes a polyphonous message, in which the distinctions between media sender nad recipients becomes blurred.