ESPN, the bloviating behemoth of the cable TV sports world, has a new ombudsman in place, and it seems she doesn't always like what she sees.
Too much shouting obscures the message
The irresponsible teases ("Who will win the big game? We'll tell you, next!"), the shouting anchors (somebody give Steve Levy a sedative, will ya?), the know-it-all reporters and ex-jocks who populate the "roundtable" shows (Stay tuned for "Who Can Make the Most Outrageous Claim at the Highest Volume"!)... it's just a bit much.
It's not my idea of journalism, but I think ESPN long ago made the choice to leave any attempt at capital J "Journalism" to Behind the Lines, and shout the other 23 and a half hours of the broadcast day.
I still watch ESPN quite a bit: it's slickly produced, the talent is usually smooth and they're smart enough to give me NFL coverage year-round.
But it could be better, and listening to the new "conscience" of the network would be a good start.
