When a beloved show or team is canceled, it can be a major blow to fans. Many turn to protesting in order to express their outrage or support for the cause. Whether it’s fighting for their favorite band to reunite or pushing back against the demise of a beloved character, fans have a long history of using their passion for their chosen causes as a way to bring about change.
In 2012, Blackburn Rovers fans staged a rather creative protest during a game against Wigan Athletic in England’s Premier League. Deep in relegation trouble, the Rovers were owned at the time by Venky’s, an Indian firm that produces poultry and processed food. As a result, one fan decided to make a point by letting a chicken run free on the field during the match. The Rovers ended up losing the game, which confirmed their relegation to the Championship.
The Center for Media Engagement has previously found that news coverage often casts protesters in a negative light, especially when they are from underrepresented groups. We’ve also found that stories that humanize the person whose death sparked the protest, as well as those that legitimize the protest, lead people to have more positive attitudes toward both the person and the protest. These findings were consistent across different topics, including those involving Black Lives Matter and immigration, and held up regardless of participants’ political beliefs. The research also showed that stories about underrepresented groups should avoid focusing on criminal behavior or speculation about possible criminal activities when reporting on a person who is the focus of a protest. Instead, reporters should share personal details about the person—such as their personality, hobbies and family—to help readers connect with them.