Four years ago, we expanded our coverage and began covering the world of news media. Barrett News Media launched during a pandemic and presidential race, and at the time, it felt uncomfortable. I knew it was a smart long-term decision, but sports brought people together. News media was more divisive. For that reason, I wrote sparingly back then about news media subjects. As the years have passed, I’ve become more comfortable tackling issues, especially those with a broadcasting connection.
When we started the brand, I told every person involved on my team that I expected them to treat those we cover with respect. We had people on board who leaned left and right, and I believe that’s important. Talk radio is a dominant right-leaning space but the world of media has a lot of balance if you include television, podcasting, print, etc..
Whether we wrote stories on MSNBC, Keith Olbermann, and The Young Turks or Fox News, Clay Travis or The Daily Wire, our job was to examine things from a broadcasting standpoint. There are many successful broadcasters and stories from all corners of the industry, and it’s our job to elevate them and let the audience decide how they feel about what they learned.
I’ve been reminded of how important that type of balance is during the past few weeks.
First, I watched numerous media outlets accept Kamala Harris not being accessible. To date, Harris has done a joint interview on CNN with Tim Walz, and one solo conversation with a Philadelphia TV anchor. Even her running mate (Walz) has done little on the media circuit. Meanwhile, Trump’s VP pick JD Vance is seen everywhere and anywhere.
I asked Brian Kilmeade about this issue at the 2024 BNM Summit. He said Harris is essentially interviewing for a job without answering questions on how she’d do the job. Some such as Jake Tapper, Margaret Brennan, Anderson Cooper, and Stephen A. Smith have questioned why Harris was avoiding the media, but far too many outlets and professionals have been ok with the lack of access. Media groups and broadcasters should never accept that. It’s perplexing that outlets would be ok with a lack of answers.
Kilmeade said the reason this happens is because people want their candidate to win. All of us have personal favorites, but where is the line between being a journalist and a party cheerleader? If we’re going to represent media outlets, and be trusted to educate the public, why would we allow anyone seeking to lead the country to not have to tell the nation about their plans? Do broadcasters and executives really believe this is best for their brands and the audience?
If Kamala’s political strategist’s goal was to keep her away from doing interviews, they succeeded. However, media outlets should be bothered by the lack of access and answers. If Donald Trump was doing it I’d say the same exact thing. I don’t care who you vote for or how you lean. This is simply about media outlets accepting a lack of access, and not holding people accountable.
Our job is to gain access to people, ask tough questions, deliver information to the audience, and allow the public to decide. We don’t work for Team Trump or Team Harris, we work for the audience. It’s the same with sports broadcasters who act as apologists for local teams and players. You’re not on the roster. Your job is to gain information, educate the audience, and let the people decide.
The second example that left a sour taste in my mouth was last week’s presidential debate. ABC News became way too much of the story after a solid start. Donald Trump tends to talk out of his ass. Even those who love Trump know that’s true. If ABC’s plan was to fact check him, that’s fine, but you can’t play favorites during a debate. Kamala Harris raised multiple points that were untrue, but ABC only interjected on Trump. That left a stain on the first and only scheduled debate. Mike Gallagher said it perfectly last week, “the biggest takeaway from the debate was the moderators. You never want that to be the case.”
A second debate has not been agreed to yet, which raises another question. Why are media outlets not demanding a second or even third debate? If the public stands to benefit from learning more about the candidates, shouldn’t we be doing everything in our power to put them in front of the audience to help folks make an informed decision when they vote?
If a lack of fairness from TV networks is the concern, there’s a simple solution. TV groups worked together to simulcast last week’s debate. They can work together to feature two journalists from different outlets. CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash did a great job hosting the Donald Trump-Joe Biden debate. Delivering a similar type of performance is possible. Regardless, Harris and Trump should be expected to answer more questions in front of the nation. That’s especially necessary after another assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Sunday. Harris and Trump may have differing views, but they should be able to agree on condemning violence.
People get emotionally charged over these issues, which blurs how they view and approach discussions. I had to fire someone from this website once because they couldn’t separate their personal views when talking to broadcasters. Offering opinions on a talk show is different than dealing with breaking news or moderating debates. Those require a different tone and plan of attack. In those situations, you’re expected to inform, and move your personal feelings aside. People are trusting you to provide information, not slant it.
We’ve profiled many people on this site over the years who I think differently than or who I’ve not had great history with. I’ve been critical of some one minute, and offered praise the next. It’s called having respect and being fair. There are times when you are the sender, such as now when I’m writing a column and offering my opinion. Other times your role is to be the receiver, such as when you’re moderating a debate or handling breaking news. Bias exists in all of us. The true stars are the ones who can move it aside to serve their audience.
Powerful people want control, and will try to limit your ability to do your job. It happens in broadcasting too not just politics and sports. Holding people and organizations accountable is critical, and broadcasters can’t lose sight of that responsibility. When the public is on your side, it’s hard for anyone to stop you from pursuing the truth. If by chance you need a reminder of who you work for, check your paycheck. I promise you it doesn’t say Team Trump, Team Harris or display your favorite sports franchise’s logo.
Quick Hits:
- Dave Portnoy has many fans and haters, but one thing that gets overlooked and deserves more credit is the work he’s done for small businesses. Barstool’s ‘One Bite Festival‘ drew over 10,000 people over the weekend in NY. Portnoy shared that profits earned from the event would be used to help rebuild Santillo’s Pizzeria in Elizabeth, NJ. A classy move by Barstool’s founder.
- Shannon Sharpe‘s act on Instagram drew a lot of attention. Some felt it was planned. Others say it wasn’t. If it was planned, how does it benefit him? Is an increase in views and downloads, and selling some shirts important enough to publicly broadcast an intimate moment? Sharpe already had a strong audience and digital platform, and a prime spot on First Take. If it’s tied to silencing critics over his sexual preferences, was this going to change their minds anyway? Just a strange situation that didn’t provide a win for anyone.
- The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Saints on Sunday, which means Stephen A. Smith is already delivering gems on social media.
- Sports fans have it really good these days. Between College Gameday, NFL Redzone, and Inside The NBA, some of the best sports shows in the history of television are taking place right before our very eyes. Scott Hanson’s mastery on NFL Sunday’s, and the energy of the Gameday crew on Saturday’s (McAfee’s commentary after the missed field goal and Darius Rucker playing live was phenomenal) is so damn good. It’s amazing how special sports television feels during the fall. Here’s a challenge for you. If I asked you to like one, love one, and leave one, which order do you go with among those three shows?
- A tip of the cap to WIBC news/talk radio host Tony Katz. Rather than relying on information from the press about the developments in Springfield, OH, Katz drove there over the weekend to visit with locals and talk to business owners to learn what’s really going on. That’s the type of effort that keeps audiences appreciating the talent they listen to and follow.
- Is it too much to ask for broadcasters to demonstrate some decorum after an assassination attempt? MSNBC’s Alex Witt and Lester Holt of NBC News not only lacked empathy, they indicated that Donald Trump’s rhetoric was to blame for it. Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions, the man’s life has been in danger twice in less than three months.
- Anyone suggesting Michelle Smallmon was to blame for the Green Bay Packers bad luck during week 1 can pipe down. Smalls was in Green Bay this past weekend where the Pack led by Malik Willis knocked off the Indianapolis Colts.
- For my money, there’s few better calling football games on the radio than Paul Allen and Greg Papa. Both worked the 49ers-Vikings game this past Sunday. Mr. Allen had more to work with this time around, and his TD call of Justin Jefferson’s 97 yard TD was too good to not recognize.
- Tom Brady was much better this week than last week. He was calm, focused, confident, and quicker to attack with his analysis. Keep in mind, this is only his second week broadcasting games. He’s going to be just fine. Everyone rushed to kill Tony Romo and Get Up too when they started. Good talent eventually wins.
- Talk about terrible timing. John Oliver accepted an Emmy and was in the middle of talking about losing his dog when the music started playing to send him off stage. I get trying to keep a show on time, but damn producers, read the room.
- Stephanie Eads and I will be attending Jomboy Media‘s Upfront on Tuesday night in NYC. We’re looking forward to hearing what the brand has in store for Q4 and 2025.
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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.
