The recent rant of University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun brought to light a whole range of issues du jour with regard to media in the sports and entertainment world today. First we had the uncredentialed “blogger” or “internet journalist” looking for his 15 minutes of fame…we had traditional media feeding off a story and giving it an extended news cycle…we had a coach with a public blowup…we had video that made YouTube viewers happy…we had political pundits chiming in on sports finance issues…and then we had a coach felt wronged by a lack of support…and lets not forget university sponsor Dunkin Donuts, who got a huge ROI by being on the repeat banner behind Calhoun. The Hartford Courant's Jeff Jacobs chimed in with a pretty well balanced opinion early on in the week, and more columns from around the state and the country followed as the week went on. So who's to blame and who's at fault here. Some simple answers for a few issues. First, credentialling is always an issue. Knowing who is in the room and prepping the speaker beforehand is important and that falls to the media staff. Second, don’t blame the “bloggers and internet journalists.” The writer could have been from anywhere, but unfortunately he came right out of central casting's view of what the scourge of media is today…an agenda filled, antagonistic and egotistic media monger looking to drive traffic to his words and attention to himself. Is it tru. I don’t know the man, but I am sure there were more than a few legitimate online journalists and bloggers who rolled their eyes when they heard the story and are now worried about their status and how they will be looked at by PR staffs going forward. Third, end the cycle as quickly as you can. Calhoun stated on numerous occasions this week what he has done for the University and the State, and there is no doubt as to his positive impact. However an admission of “blowing his cool” makes him a little more contrite and probably ends the issue the next day. No apology needed to the writer or probably to the University, but it stops the cycle. Lastly, try and avoid the airing of internal politics. Calhoun felt wronged that the University didn’t issue a word of quick public support, and we have no way of knowing why or why not. In many cases taking no stance speaks louder than any stance, and by silence, another platform arose for the issue to continue on. No matter what the internal feelings are, solidarity and speaking with one voice by those in charge also brings issues to bed much quicker. End of the day, a seemingly self-serving media member got to grandstand, a legendary coach looked silly, a University looked unsupportive, and a distraction was created for those in power who should be dealing with other issues. Nothing really solved, but a great example of all the bumps and bruises that can be created in the media cycle today. No real winners other than those making money off video downloads, but one to file away.
Some other good reads…Media Post has a good piece on the increased prices sports cable nets will be paying going forward…the New York Times had a great obit on Iona College's legendary trainer J.B. Buono...the Houston Chronicle has a good piece on Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt and his committment to play in the World Baseball Classic…MLB.com has another good WBC piece on Carlos Lee and his feelings playing for Panama…and the Seattle PI has a look at how the University of Washington's hoop success is transcending the court and going into the community.
