I’ve often written about how lazy I believe the media to be. This extends to all areas of coverage, whether it be politics or golf. They attach themselves to one thing, and proceed to beat it to death.
What’s ironic is that they are all looking for a new twist to whatever it is they’re covering. I wonder why they continue reporting on it. In engineering, people like this quickly wear out their welcome. And we have them. They have a pet solution, something that (they think) fits all. And they want to use it over and over and over, regardless of efficiency. Because they’re familiar with all its traits. Commonality definitely has its place, but there is a time to move on.
Political reporters do the same. “The Dean Scream” was played ad nauseum, and I never thought it was anything more than someone preaching to the choir. Our entertainment reporters lock onto Michael Jackson or Martha Stewart, and we are constantly fed the same story over and over and over. Sometimes, in a three minute segment, there may be a single new piece of information. The remaining time is eaten up telling us what we’ve been told dozens of times…just in case we missed it before.
Gee, these are the same people who have always complained that there wasn’t enough time to do a full story. I think if they gave us just 10 seconds on each continuing story, they’d have plenty of time for more exhaustive coverage of at least one major topic each day. Of course, that would limit face time for the talent, and minimal opportunity to flash factoids at the bottom of the screen. And that talent might actually have to get new information where there is none.
Golf does the same thing. I was eager to see coverage today of the Nissan Open at Riviera. Tiger is in the field. How would USA Network cover him? As expected:
“Here is Tiger on the first hole.” on tape. Then, continuing on tape, “Here he is at the second,” and, “Here’s Tiger at the third.” Had it been live, I wouldn’t have minded nearly as much.
But David Toms is back in the field after surgery. John Daly is hoping to continue his rebound. And dozens of other fine golfers are trying to get their first win of the year. Mike Wier, Masters winner and Nissan defending champion, is back in the hunt and playing well.
Tiger did not have his typical stellar year in 2003. Yes, he received the Player of the Year Award., but I think his limited playing schedule actually helped him. It won’t happen that way two years in a row. Fewer and fewer people are watching golf just because of him. But sponsors like to see him in the field, and television sponsors want to see him shown.
Sports announcers are more knowlegeable about what they cover than most, but even here the familiar is important.
C’mon, guys. Show the field. Take some risk and show someone who isn’t expected to win. Maybe, just maybe, it will be the story of your life. Or, you can remain in the comfort zone and follow Tiger, regardless of his play. After all, that’s where the money is.