The hardest thing about living in the public eye is the ability to take the heat. Not every listener or viewer is going to love every word that comes out of your mouth. No matter how much talent thinks they’re the most amazing entertainer on the planet, there will always be criticism. This is true in any line of work, and FOX Sports’ Erin Andrews should know this.
The NFL on FOX standout sideline reporter has been the brunt of criticism her entire career. From her time as a reporter covering the Tampa Bay Lightning to her current role with FOX, Andrews has been a target for criticism on everything from her look on television to the content she provides.
That’s why it was a little odd to hear Andrews bark back in a recent interview with Us Weekly. She stated that people “just think they could do better” than what she puts out on FOX Sports. She implored those who criticize her work to “try to do this.” With Andrews’ massive appeal and platform, did she forget the golden rule of working in sports media?
I’m a fan of Andrews’ work and have been for some time. The executives at FOX Sports are fans of Andrews as well. She’s put in the time and effort to improve her game and built her own empire off of the exposure. I respect her because it’s exactly what anyone in her position would do with it by expanding their horizons.
What I don’t understand is why bark back in the first place.
Criticism Is Still Feedback
We do live in an age of ultimate transparency where everyone’s voice is amplified due to social media and the digital age. Andrews has a massive social following, only lifted by her podcast with Charissa Thompson on iHeartRadio and her women’s NFL apparel line called WEAR. Her comments carry weight, and as much criticism follows.
She’s never been in a win-win situation, just like every other talent who performs to an audience. Not everyone is going to always love you. You are constantly being judged fairly or unfairly, but how you react is what truly matters.
Do I think Andrews has issues dealing with criticism of her work? Possibly. At our deepest, who doesn’t feel a certain way when we can’t escape the feedback from our own noise?
The bark back of “people think they can do better” or “You go do it; you try to do this” is a weak commentary to be used. People are going to have their opinions, but reacting in this manner will only inflame the criticism. When a startup radio station used to punch up to take on the big brother in town, rarely, if ever, do you see big brother punch back.
There’s a reason for this. If you don’t give the criticism oxygen to breathe, it never lives.
However, by recognizing and punching back, you can’t follow with your own critique of your teammate. You can’t deny criticism of your work only to provide it for another person’s. That’s a double standard and why Andrews should have thought better than to bark back at her critics.
Why You Shouldn’t Punch Down
It’s a difficult balance when you work in sports media. Many regard the practice of working in sports media as not a real job. You can’t blame people who work in offices or in our communities for looking at those who cover games as “not real work.” I can’t tell you how many times I had to convince people in my two decades of working in sports media how difficult the job sometimes is.
Does it beat digging ditches or bagging groceries? Of course.
However, the one thing sports media should always follow is to be thankful for those who take time to watch, listen, follow, and yes… criticize you for the work you put out there. In the day and age we live in today, where attention spans are shorter than ever and people are flooded with more information than ever before, every bit of feedback is valuable and should be considered the highest honor.
Good, bad, and indifferent.
That’s how I would coach Andrews on her responses for the next interview. Sure, it may sound like coach speak, but it’s rooted in fact. Erin Andrews lives a life that many in sports media share in — the public eye. With the spotlight comes the platform to be weighed, measured, and decided upon.
She chose to enter the arena like everyone else that made the same decision.
The only advice I’d give is once you take ownership over the decision to receive the feedback, that’s when you’ll be less defensive about it.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
