NYT -- Tension Over Sports Blogging

by webdoyenne on Apr 21, 2008 9:10 AM EDT

In locker rooms and press boxes across the country, the new media are redefining relationships between the press and pro sports, including the issue of how a journalist is defined.

In larger markets like New York, restrictions seem to be more stringent. Before a recent game between the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in New York, for example, the press assembled in various rooms in Yankee Stadium resembled the crowd of news gatherers that might cover a political convention, complete with formal organization and credentialing, along with tightly controlled access.
In contrast, a few days later it was a much different scene in Arlington, Tex., when five reporters joined the Texas Rangers manager, Ron Washington, in his office for some pregame banter.
"It's a new world," said Jason Zillo, the head of media relations for the Yankees, surveying the team taking batting practice. "We spend a lot of time in spring training on media training. The biggest danger now is that with some of these blog sites there is no structure. There is no one that John Smith reports to."

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Personally, with respect to credentialing

I’ve never really had any interest in clubhouse access. For the most part, I don’t regard that as a particularly good use of time. Most of what players and managers have to say is clichéd anyways, and I have little use for “connections”. If something interesting is said, the Tribune or Times have it well-covered. Besides, I know the team’s PR department has quote runners that supply some of that stuff to the media.

If I were to achieve some level of “access”, I’d want it to be in the press box. Really, if I have a desk, access to the internets, and access to press box resources, I would be more than satisfied. That’s all I’d ever really use anyways.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Apr 21, 2008 10:20 AM EDT 0 recs

Tightrope To Walk...

Being a credentialed media member along with a my main job in the media relations field, I understand what Zillo is saying here to some degree.

While most teams don’t turn away coverage of any kind, there are fewer issues in terms of allowing access. For most of the minor league games I cover, I’m given king’s treatment in terms of where I can go. That’s natural, because most nights I’ll be one of only 2 or 3 media members in the press box. So, in that case, you welcome any attention.

But for the Yankees, its different. Not having a background with a member can make it difficult to ascertain what medium that particular person serves. There are several bloggers that use this forum to bash or be very disrespectful towards organizations, so that naturally causes some apprehension on the PR side. Not that criticism isn’t fair or just, but sometimes it can really cross the line.

I hope over time blogs like this one and others can continue to prove that legitimacy is possible. Not that we all want to be professional writers, but if the work continues to be done with respect than this becomes less of a problem.

by EricSan on Apr 21, 2008 5:40 PM EDT 0 recs