Newsweek Article on E!spn

[NFBuck]

Nothing that many of us haven't been saying, but interesting read none-the-less...

ESPN remains peerless at reporting, and breaking, news?there's a reason so many of us still mainline hour after hour of "SportsCenter." And it has covered the year's biggest story, Bonds's tainted pursuit of Hank Aaron's hallowed home-run record, with a fittingly ambivalent mix of awe and skepticism. But too often, the network seems hellbent on sanctifying athletes, rather than merely covering them, because it's good business for both. (ESPN's overreliance on underqualified ex-jocks to fill its analyst ranks is a grating example.) In a way, the Espys have become an apt metaphor for ESPN. It's a party the network throws for itself and its closest friends. Everyone sits together, news anchors rubbing elbows with All-Stars. It's more business as usual?two crowds that should probably keep their distance, getting a little too cozy instead. Continued...

ESPN: Worldwide Cheerleader? - Newsweek Entertainment - MSNBC.com

 

[tibor75]

In a way it makes sense. Back in the dark ages (i.e. before Al Gore invented the internets), you watched ESPN to find out if your team won. If you missed the game, you watched the 11 PM sportscenter to find out who won, how they won, and the highlights.

But today, you already know who won. THere is no suspense. ESPN could do 2 things. On the one hand, they could do hard hitting analysis and commentary and criticism. On the other, they could do stupid human interest stories (the feminization of TV) and pure entertainment. They chose the later probably because it gives better ratings.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

At least ESPN announcers have flexible backs and necks so they have no trouble blowing themselves...

 

[Napoleonbuck]

I like watching Fox's highlight show. One anchor, only highlights, it's great. Hopefully it catches on and stays around.

The Who's Now thing is probably the stupidest thing ESPN has done in the past five years.

 

[tibor75]

The Who's Now thing is probably the stupidest thing ESPN has done in the past five years.

Eh, it's not any worse than "Cold Hard Facts" or "The Hot Seat" or those stupid ass NFL highlights they run to that obnoxious music.

 

[NFBuck]

The Who's Now thing is probably the stupidest thing ESPN has done in the past five years.

I take it you didn't catch any of "Bonds on Bonds".

 

[tibor75]

I take it you didn't catch any of "Bonds on Bonds".

damn forgot about that gem.

I keep hoping for the primetime special "Stu Scott's Funeral"

 

[Buckeye86]

damn forgot about that gem.

I keep hoping for the primetime special "Stu Scott's Funeral"

primetime special? it would be an all day event, because you just can't get enough interviews with people who once had a brief encounter with the recently departed

 

[billmac91]

there just isn't any way they will ever be able to top the fake GM press conferences held by Steve Phillips.....all time worst idea

 

[NFBuck]

there just isn't any way they will ever be able to top the fake GM press conferences held by Steve Phillips.....all time worst idea

That was bad, no doubt about it, but Stuart Scott's poetry slam has it beat by a large margin.

 

[tibor75]

there just isn't any way they will ever be able to top the fake GM press conferences held by Steve Phillips.....all time worst idea

Forgot about those too

http://deadspin.com/sports/espn/ok-seriously-knock-it-off-you-guys-136164.php

 

[scooter1369]

primetime special? it would be an all day event, because you just can't get enough interviews with people who once had a brief encounter with the recently departed

Even worse, 10tv in C-Bus would do the six degrees thing trying to connect him to Ohio, as they do every dead celebrity.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

I keep hoping for the primetime special "Stu Scott's Funeral"

You mean you'll keep an eye out for it?