The media’s job is to inform, entertain, and hold people accountable. It’s been that way forever. We all have our favorites and personal viewpoints, but nowhere in the job description does it say that broadcasters are to avoid difficult subjects or shield those they cover. Powerful people get written and talked about. They’re supposed to understand that the media is there to highlight their success, examine their failures, and ask questions to help tell a story so the public remains informed.
But somewhere along the way, the lines began to blur.
Now, coaches want it written in their contracts that they can control who they speak to. PR professionals ask more than ever for a list of questions, hoping to avoid the tougher ones. Artists choose outlets to appear on based on who makes them feel most comfortable. And politicians rely on and grant access to networks who carry their party’s water, avoiding others who don’t.
This doesn’t make the audience smarter. It doesn’t make coverage better. And, it gives way too much power to those in top positions. What’s more troubling is that too many media members allow it rather than pushing back.
Over the weekend, the Denver Post reported that Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and anyone associated with his program would no longer answer questions from Denver Post columnist Sean Keeler. After the report surfaced, Sanders was asked at a Saturday press conference how he’d handle negative questions going forward. ‘Prime Time’ offered the following explanation.
“I’m not negative to anybody in here. I would challenge you and ask you, ‘Why?’ or ‘Where’s this coming from?’ So I’m not built like that. I’m not built to hate. I’m not a hateful guy. I come with love. I think if anybody in here has had encounters with me, I don’t come with the bull junk, I come with the peace and the joy. Now, when you show me where you stand, I might have to change that a little bit. So I’m not gonna match your ignorance or whatever — not saying that you’re ignorant but a person, I’m not gonna match that.”
Sanders was later asked if he felt persecuted by the media. He said, “I don’t know about persecuted. This is a way of life for me. You guys act like this is the first time I’ve been shot at. I’ve been lied on, cheated, talked about, mistreated. That’s a gospel song, isn’t it? This is not the first time for this. But, as I mature, instead of shooting back or lashing out or just dismissing you, I want to know why. Like, let’s help each other. Let’s figure out the why. Because if you understand the why in people, that helps you tremendously.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but if you want to understand the why, how does cutting off communication with critics accomplish that? More importantly, you can preach joy, love, and positivity, but college football is a business. People expect results. Coaches get hired and fired over wins and losses all the time. Deion was brought to Boulder to change the culture, and create excitement. He has done that. But what he hasn’t done there yet is produce a winning season.
Granted, he’s been there one year. But when the Buffs started red hot last year, Deion mentioned all the receipts he’s kept from people writing them off. Colorado then went into a tailspin the rest of the way. The media has a right and responsibility to ask ‘What happened?’ Do you have the right pieces? Is the right system in place? Are you committed? And, whether Deion likes it or not, why should people continue to believe if you’re not producing results?
The decision to deny access to a columnist who’s been critical of the program is a terrible look for Sanders and the University. It’s not the first time that Coach Prime has restricted media people from covering his program. Rashad Milligan of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger was barred from reporting on the Jackson State football team at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day, one day after he wrote a piece that detailed a domestic violence charge against one of the team’s top recruits.
If this is how Sanders handles heat at Colorado and Jackson State, what do you think happens in a larger market? Deion can be cocky, flamboyant, and show off his personality for the cameras, but if wins don’t follow, and access is denied, media outlets will get more aggressive with their coverage. They’ll dig harder, become more critical, and push for change. Eventually the donors, advertisers, and fans will use their wallets to show where they stand, and wins have a lot to do with it.
But whether the Buffs win 5 or 10 games shouldn’t matter. The head coach of a football team is expected to speak to the media about the good and bad. Media members are not there to be Deion’s friend or protect him. They are in the room to tell the story of Colorado’s season. Some of the coverage will be favorable, some won’t. To expect only peace and love from professionals is both insulting and disrespectful.
Any university leadership group complicit in allowing this type of behavior deserves whatever negativity follows. Win games, and the headlines are positive. Lose games, and criticism increases. It’s not rocket science.
I was excited about Deion’s arrival last season. I even flew to Colorado and attended a game. Seeing him succeed there would make for a great story. But what Deion and the University of Colorado are doing is wrong. Denver media need to stand behind Sean Keeler. You can root for Coach Prime and the Buffs to win, but if they don’t, questions have to be asked. Unfortunately, you now know what awaits if you’re daring to challenge the coach or a lack of results. That shouldn’t be tolerated, and it deserves to be called out.
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Speaking of Media Accountability
Kudos to Stephen A. Smith for two things. First, for taking aim at media outlets that twisted his words. Secondly, for calling out Kamala Harris for not facing questions from the media. Smith has said on his show that he’s a registered independent and will be voting for Harris. But he’s also fair, and has challenged Harris for not sitting down with networks and addressing issues.
I don’t get into politics. My focus is on covering sports, news and music media. Whether you lean left or right makes no difference to me. I have friendships with people on both sides, and I try to respect everyone. But I appreciated Smith’s commentary.
From a media standpoint, anyone running for the highest office in our country, should be expected to answer questions. Media folks should be bothered by any candidate who won’t face the music. It’s not a left or right issue. It’s about being accountable and accessible. If the media’s role is to inform and entertain the public, we can’t accept a lack of access, and allow personal views to interfere with calling out bs. I’d say the same exact thing if Donald Trump was doing it. Nobody deserves a free pass when we’re talking about something as important as the presidency.
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BNM Summit Details
We are nine days away from the 2024 BNM Summit in Washington D.C.. Our venue for the show is the Jack Morton Auditorium at George Washington University and it’s outstanding.
Sponsorship opportunities are available until Tuesday COB. Tickets are on-sale until Friday night. The show schedule is posted on BNMSummit.com. The only things left to do are send out a few more session emails, and make one final push with students. If you’re in school in the DMV area, interested in the media business, and looking to attend, email Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
Congratulations to Anita Bonita, Jack Pagano, David Kaplan, Diane Tinderholt, and John Butler on winning tickets to the show. Remember, Collette is also giving away a trip for two to Spain at the Summit After Party. To qualify, simply schedule a meeting with Jim Edwards at jedwards@collette.com or 800-222-5679.
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Quick Hits
- Barrett Media produced its best week of traffic last week, topping the prior week. One story that gained massive attention was the Jay Weber–WISN story. I understand people are emotional about it, but we have no responsibility or involvement in it. We simply cover the media business. Emails and comments flooded us the past few days, and to clarify for those who aren’t aware, we don’t run radio stations or employ on-air talent. Situations regarding talent, and management need to be handled directly with local stations.
- When ESPN hired Nick Saban, I thought he’d be an instant hit. That was confirmed Saturday. Saban was outstanding on College Gameday. The production around that broadcast and the Florida State-George Tech game showcasing the sights and sounds of Ireland was superb. A great first week for all involved.
- Speaking of ESPN, I’ll be in Bristol on Wednesday for ESPN Media Day. I’m looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces and hearing about the network’s vision for the fall and beyond.
- It’s wild to see how the world now consumes music. A decade ago this chart looked very different. YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and TikTok now occupy 63% of audio and video streaming according to Statista. Radio is the third most popular at 17%.
- WCBS-AM has officially signed off. Wayne Cabot handled the final on-air shift. Garrett Searight shared the station’s final minute on social media. To all who represented the brand over the years, thank you for all you did to inform New York and everyone listening across the country.
- Dave Greene isn’t sold on FS1 naming its new morning show Breakfast Ball but I am sold on the talent involved. Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth are all skilled. How they develop chemistry, choose topics, and settle into their roles will be the biggest question. However, if they can find their groove, they’ll create some interesting moments and conversations.
- A tip of the cap to Jim Rome for not putting up with bs. New York Jets defensive star Quinnen Williams appeared on Rome’s show last week, and when asked about Aaron Rodgers, immediately deflected and shifted into sell mode. He only wanted to talk about the product he was there to push. Rome ended the interview after one-minute, and called it bad form by Williams and his handlers. Shows will give players a platform to promote things, but there’s got to be some give and take. The team booking Williams has to do a better job preparing him or he’s not going to get booked.
- You may know Jason Fitz can host a sports radio show. You may even know that he’s been a successful musician. But did you know he can belt out a tune? Take a listen. Well done, Jay.
- Happy Anniversary this week to Andy Roth and the team at 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland. They officially signed on 15 years ago, and have enjoyed a heck of a run since. How Roth landed in Cleveland is still one of my favorite behind the scenes industry stories. I’m sure Chris Oliviero and Pat Paxton are smiling right now.
- Sorry to see Christian Fauria and Andy Gresh go at WEEI. I had a chance to interact with both in the past, and always enjoyed the conversations. Wishing them both well as they explore their next chapters.
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
