It has not been a banner week for the Los Angeles Angels and their radio network.
After announcing the club would not let its radio broadcasters travel to away games due to the cost associated with their travel, the team has reportedly removed a beat writer from its Beat Reporter Roundtable show due to his “negativity” surrounding the team.
The Athletic’s Sam Blum shared the news in a series of tweets this afternoon, claiming he was told that Angels Radio AM 830 — the team-owned flagship station — has informed him that he is “no longer welcome” on the program because he brings “negativity” to an “up-beat show”. He added that he was told the decision was made by team preside John Carpino.
“I strive to be fair in my coverage. Sometimes that means being critical. Sometimes that means highlighting good things/people in the org. I have countless examples of both over 2 years on the beat,” Blum wrote.
The move from the Angels comes after it received plenty of backlash from fans and media members alike for its decision to not send its radio crew to away contests. Last week, ESPN LA 710 host Travis Rodgers said “It is a giant middle finger to your fans”.
He also added “You’re telling your fans ‘I’m 100% okay with giving you a product that is less than 28 other teams out there’.”
