Jeffrey Martin - towing the phony "Rivals line"

[michigancat]

http://mb24.scout.com/fkansasinsiderfrm5.showMessage?topicID=15440.topic

Some writer for the Wichita paper has been on a couple of Omaha radio stations today talking about the Evridge situation. He's basically towing the same phony line that the rivals site writer used-that Freeman scared all the other QBs off with his talent.

He's the K-State beat writer for the Eagle. He knows (like everyone who spends most of their time reporting spin) he won't have access if he burns bridges. It happens with all programs (and, has become much worse with pay internet sites) and really puts the onus on readers (consumers) to be able to determine when someone is blowing smoke up their azz (unless, of course, that's what they are looking for).

 

[Jeffrey_Martin]

That's good stuff. Man, I'm transparent. They basically wanted me to come out and bash Prince, and I'm not going to do that. Not because I don't think it's warranted or anything like that, but because that's not my role at the paper. I'm not a columnist - my opinion doesn't matter. You'd think they'd understand that, but apparently they don't.

[hillwalking03]

That's good stuff. Man, I'm transparent. They basically wanted me to come out and bash Prince, and I'm not going to do that. Not because I don't think it's warranted or anything like that, but because that's not my role at the paper. I'm not a columnist - my opinion doesn't matter. You'd think they'd understand that, but apparently they don't.

I agree, but when a radio station brings someone on, they are usually looking for an opinion. If they wanted just the facts, they would read the column on the air.

[Jeffrey_Martin]

Agreed. But therein lies the flaw. If I spout off my opinion, any future story I write is going to inevitably seem biased. Or people will say I'm biased because they heard me spout off on the radio. In my business, all you have is your credibility. I don't want anyone to think I'm biased.

Guess the point is I should have turned down the radio requests.

[hillwalking03]

I completely understand the predicament and don't envy it.  Personally, I think you should be able to express your opinion.  Unfortunately, opinions can be career enders for beat writers.

[sonofdaxjones]

 

Guess the point is I should have turned down the radio requests.

Nah ... let people bitch.

It's what K-Staters do the best ... including me.

[MrWhite]

You're problem is using the Jeffrey Martin name, and columnist title.

You need an alter ego to spout your opinions.

Create a sock, and lay it all out on this board. 

[Saulbadguy]

You're problem is using the Jeffrey Martin name, and columnist title.

You need an alter ego to spout your opinions.

Create a sock, and lay it all out on this board. 

Rufus Dawes.

[MrWhite]

Mitch Cumstein

[pissclams]

You're problem is using the Jeffrey Martin name, and columnist title.

You need an alter ego to spout your opinions.

Create a sock, and lay it all out on this board. 

Rufus Dawes.

LOL.

[ds43fan]

lol its allright J-Mart stay here and drink Kool-Aid, Fitz and Hatter have stolen all of GPC's
 

[Houstoncat93]

Agreed. But therein lies the flaw. If I spout off my opinion, any future story I write is going to inevitably seem biased. Or people will say I'm biased because they heard me spout off on the radio. In my business, all you have is your credibility. I don't want anyone to think I'm biased.

Guess the point is I should have turned down the radio requests.

There was an interesting discussion on the 610 morning sports talk show here in Houston a few days ago with Richard Justice (columnist for the Houston Chronicle).  It was focused more on reporter's blogs but the same points apply here.  Basically Justice was saying that since more and more reporters have blogs, do talk show, et. al that the line between reporter and columnist is getting blurred.  He also made the point that in his blog he uses the same level of journalistic standard (i.e. multiple sources) as he would in the paper but that others don't do this. 

With all the communication channels available today it is getting much harder to sort out reports of facts and someone stating on opinion.  Today you can get "breaking news" anywhere from a message board (ala Texas Ags and Bomar) to the traditional report beat writer ala J-Mart.

It makes it increasingly important that people be smart consumers of information.  Unfortunately this same trend in happening outside the sports world as well.