Jason Fry wrote a piece on how sportswriters need to act on the job. I guess I never really thought about it, but there are certain norms as to what sportswriters should and should not do. I agree with Fry that cheering is something journalists should not do in the press box. It can easily give the opposing team the impression that you could write about them in a bad light and cause them to not talk to you or to be more hesitant in talking with you. I think it could also lead players, coaches or anyone else involved in the organization to take their stories and tips to a different publication, one that they view will teat them fairly.
I think Thomas Bowles’ case of losing his job freelancing for Sports Illustrated after cheering for Trevor Bayne in the press box affirms the belief that journalists need to remain neutral while on the job. I can understand Bowles’ argument that he could be excited for something huge to happen in the sport and have it not affect his coverage of the event. I am sure his piece was just fine. However, I think the issue had nothing to do with his writing and everything to do with the impression he gave to others by cheering for Bayne.
0 comments:
Post a Comment