Sports Media 101

Wow...Reading Rod Pedersen's blog and the attached comments over the last 12 hours has presented some interesting insight into the mind of some sports fans.  Or should I say a lack of their minds.

Folks, I'm not here to beat Rod's drum, nor am I here to bring anybody down, but there is a few simple facts about the sports media scene here in Regina and I'm sure its the same in most markets.

The media here all get along with each other fairly well.  Hell, I golf with some of my competitors.  Why?  Aren't we suppose to all be enemies outdoing each other?  Maybe.  But I think the main reason that we get along is that we are all genuinely in the biz for the same reasons, we love it.  That's a common bond that can't be broken.

I think back to the night the Warriors and Pats were the feature game on Sportsnet this year.  After the game a media horde met at the Press Box including members of Rogers Sportsnet, Global, CTV, Leader Post, CBC, CKRM and other freelancers.  No fights.  No arguments.  Simply people laughing and sharing a common passion.

That being said, it does hurt my soul when I see other media outlets getting a story before I do.  I think we all have that desire to be first and best.  If we didn't, we wouldn't be any good.  And I think the level of sports coverage in this city is outstanding, no matter what form of media is distributing it.  We're friends off the ice, but work hard to outdo each other on it.

But people also need to understand, just cause we get along or this guy does that for a living, sometimes there is a code.  Rod Pedersen is privy to a lot of info because of his job, but if he wants to keep his job, he can't let every Tom, Dick and KENT know the details.  Imagine the stories Rod could tell about players and coaches on the road.  I'm sure it would be great for his blog and its readers, but I'm fairly certain it might not be good for his career.

People trust Rod and others like him with info.  The second that trust is betrayed, the relationship is over.  

I'm still fairly new in this town when you compare the longevity of some of the sportscasters here and I can tell you that the relationship between athletes and reporters takes time to build, but only an instant to destroy.  

Last night I felt completely helpless, trying desperately to get someone to confirm to me that Curtis Hunt is the new Head Coach of the Pats.  Now, while I exhausted every possibility I had at my resources and had sources lead me to believe it was true, I couldn't get them to give me a firm 'yes'.  And you know what, I respect them for that.  

Its all about trust, and while I'm working on building mine, people like Rod have spent a decade growing theirs and I'm sure they aren't going to just through it away!!!  

So next time you see a story break about the Riders or the Pats, recognize that their are a lot of good reporters in this town hot on the trail.  And TRUST that we are doing the best we can, without torching every bridge we cross.  Because trust is a very precious thing. 

Class dismissed.