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17th June 2026

 Good Morning from a beautiful day on the Costa Blanca with very little cloud to spoil the blue skies above. It has been very hot during the evening and I had to get out to an early appointment before making the football podcast with journalist Graham Smith. It was quite overpowering to keep up with all the fixtures and results and as the tournament started we were already tiring after the long Premier League season. I had to ask the chat bot,'Is mountain of football on our televisions meant as a distraction from other world events?

Microsoft Short answer:

There’s no solid evidence that the amount of football on TV is deliberately engineered as a distraction from world events — but football can be used, framed, or amplified in ways that serve political or media interests. The relationship is indirect, structural, and opportunistic rather than a coordinated conspiracy.

1. Football is used by powerful actors to shape narratives — but not usually in the “hide the news” sense.........

A 2025 study on Euro 2024 found that political incidents during matches reached large audiences precisely because football is so mediatized. 

This means football isn’t just entertainment — it’s a political communication environment......Governments and institutions know football can soften or shape public perception.

🎯 2. “Sportswashing” does exist — and football is a prime tool.......

🎯 3. Media organisations often prioritise football because it’s profitable — not because they’re hiding something..............So the effect can feel like distraction, even if the intent is commercial rather than political.

 4. Football coverage can crowd out other stories — but that’s a media ecosystem problem

Media bias in football coverage is well documented.

🎯 5. FIFA’s control of global football media does intersect with politics

FIFA’s media empire gives it enormous influence over global narratives.

Investigations show FIFA can shape coverage through selective access, editorial framing, and strategic partnerships........... 

🧭 So what’s the real answer?

Football isn’t put on TV to distract you from world events.  

But:

Governments sometimes use football events to improve their image.

Media companies use football to maximise engagement.

Political actors use football’s audience to insert messages.

Heavy football coverage can unintentionally crowd out serious news.

Here's what we discussed in today's podcast

Just posted a new episode on Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/rockrupert/episodes/2026-06-17T03_27_18-07_00