Portrayal of Physical Education in the “MEDIDA CERTA/ 90 DAYS TO REBOOT THE BODY” segment aired by Globo network

Abstract

This research aims to demonstrate some of the meanings attributed to Physical Education as seen on the Medida Certa segment, aired by Globo Television Network in the Fantastico show, in 2011. This segment showed the work of a Physical Education instructor whose goal was to “reboot” the body of the participants within three months. The adjustments basically consisted in the adhesion to physical activity and in dietary improvements. The audience was also invited to modify their behaviors by following the advice being given to the participants. Discourse analysis will be the theoretical basis for the investigation on the process of meaning production. The analyzed data was collected on the network’s website, which made the segment temporarily available online. After careful observation, dialogues were transcribed and categories were identified, the latter having been analyzed based on a preexisting analytical framework which considers the title, the speaker, the content of the speech, the intermediary and the strategies for publishing the discourse. Aside from shedding light on the meanings currently attributed to Physical Education in television media, the study reflects on some of the principles that conduct the elaboration of bodily practices today. We concluded that the idea behind the Medida Certa segment has contributed to a biologic, risk-based outlook on Physical Education, which derives its value from being the subject’s source of salvation through advice given mainly by the physical education instructor. The show’s approach is also deficient with regards to the social issues which the audience may face.