Is ESPN qualified to talk politics?

This week I want to talk about something a little different than the normal politics that we always get to discuss. This week we saw a lot of controversy in the news regarding the NFL players refusing to stand during the national anthem and taking knees to show their support for the inequality of treatment of minorities in America. The NFL has taken a stance that allows the players to do this, which is contrary to prior NFL action regarding the players taking political stances and showing their support for controversial causes on the field.

Keeping on the subject of mass media we have seen some new commentary on this issue of inequality with many of the sports commentators now contributing to the debate and reporting on the issues. This is interesting because normally in these television programs the only thing discussed is the sport, but now they are introducing a true news aspect to some of the programming. The issue I see with some of this commentary that is being produced is the credibility of the sources, these reporters are sports reporters and likely do not have the background in investigative journalism to present a quality story to the public. These commentators are reaching millions of people with their message as well, and if they are misleading the public on the issues by simply sharing their opinion then that is a problem.


The NFL has not gone through this incident unscathed, millions cancelled their NFL television subscriptions and game attendance was at an all-time low this week. I think that the issue much of America is having is that they want a separation in their life, they want their news and they want their entertainment. Many people want to watch football simply for the enjoyment of the sport and not be battered with more of the political issues that they see throughout the rest of their lives. So for the players to be engaging in this activity and the reporters commentating on it in the way they are has turned off a lot of people to the NFL. I think that this shows that the American people are not afraid to show their distaste for an issue and know what they want from their media. I will be curious to see if the players of the NFL change their stance or their voicing of their opinions to get their viewership back. Not all media sources are created equal for the same purpose and I think that is what the sports market is going to have to accept. 

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 6, 2017 at 9:44 AM

    This is an interesting take on the issue. I also wrote about this in my last blog. However, I do think ESPN has to address it because they cover football. If the players are kneeling before a football game, then those people who cover it are going to address it. I think it would be abnormal for something viral to happen, and the network NOT cover it. While it would be nice to cancel the subscription, turn off the TV, and wish people didn't speak about this, it isn't going to solve any issues.

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