Josh Gross To The Rescue
by Luke Thomas on Apr 30, 2008 10:19 AM EDT
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Sam Caplan notes that Josh Gross, Editor of Sherdog.com, is stepping down from his position there to take up a writing gig at SI.com and rightly wonders whether Dana White's longstanding ban/refusing to credential Gross will carry over when he takes up his spot at one of the most legitimate sporting news outlets in America. More importantly, Sam raises the question of what might happen to both the UFC and Gross if White continues the ban. Notable quote:
...
So while I don't think not having access to the UFC would hurt SI's coverage, I do think it could hurt the UFC. As I've stated in the past, the UFC has some very rigid media policies and as a young company in a young sport, I still don't think they understand the concept of balanced coverage. Not everyone is going to be 100 percent positive about their product all of the time and when someone is negative or gives coverage to another promotion, I think the UFC takes it personally. I don't know if they realize that journalists are different than that of a public relations writer.
But by dealing in absolutes when it comes to certain members of the media, I do feel the UFC is hurting the long-term growth prospects of not only its own company, but also the sport. There are still many skeptics of MMA within the mainstream media and there are still many hurdles to climb when it comes to convincing people in key editorial positions that MMA is worth time and attention. Trying to be over-bearing when major media outlets try and cover you is not going to win you allies and not cooperating with a Time Warner-backed company such as SI isn't going to help the sport grow.
All too true.
But here's the salient issue in my mind: SI.com shouldn't stand for it. Sites like the one you are reading now and others similar to it - "new media" - don't get credentialed for any number of odd reasons and the vast majority of the mainstream press couldn't be happier be about it. That's unfortunate, because the fact is our best ally in the fight to get credentialed is when those in the mainstream press take our position in the debate or sympathize with our mission. In the same way, other MSM outlets should stand up for Gross and SI.com should the UFC choose not to credential him. If this site tried to raise a stink, no one at Zuffa would care very much. But if ESPN, CBS and NBC openly criticized the UFC for their attempts to control media coverage, the UFC would be under intense pressure to change.
I hope Gross gets credentialed, but if he doesn't, I hope the editors at the major outlets are prepared to take their fellow journalist's side. Best of luck, Josh.
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Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
ESPN, CBS and NBS would not openly criticize someone for controlling media coverage, because that is what they do as well and it would be a hypocritical stance to take for a news organization.
Gross is a puke, he made his bed and now he has to sleep in it.
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Being a member of the media is all about integrity. Gross used all his up in the eyes of Zuffa. I don't see why SI would hire him, but I do wish him the best of luck. Its guys like Gross that make it harder for "new media". I am sure that because of him the UFC cred more selectivly.
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
by Luke Thomas on Apr 30, 2008 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
I'd imagine they'd make it clear to SI that it was a problem with Gross and not them.
After the whole public letter fiasco with Dana White and Dana White being a stubborn man of principles, I'd give Gross getting credentials the same chance as Kalib Starnes being the main feature on an MMA card.
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 30, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Either way, I think Gross will not get credentialed and SI will have to send someone else.
Or else he will be in the 200FT+ Seats with the guys at bodybuilding.com, etc.
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 30, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
I just went to the SI page, and could not find a single link to MMA, not even in the "More Sports" section, although there is a high school sports section.
Hopefully Gross will have some affect into regards to that, because I do read their magazines, but that was my first time to their website. I imagine this is true with lots of people.
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Space is a consideration...
by pramit on Apr 30, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
by christkd on Apr 30, 2008 12:54 PM EDT reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
SI won't suffer if Gross doesn't get credentialed. They can still send someone else to the event.
And, let's be honest -- new media and mainstream media are cutthroat endeavors. Why would ESPN or NBC stick up for SI?
They already have their credentials? Why would they care about a competitor getting credentialed.
Also, selective credentialing is seen in all sports, not just MMA.
Is it right? Maybe, maybe not. But it is the UFC's prerogative
As a business, I'm sure the UFC will do whatever helps their bottom line, including credentialing Gross if they feel that it will do that...
by pramit on Apr 30, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Make sense. To a certain degree, a line has to be drawn arbitrarily somewhere.
It's a tricky situation...
by pramit on Apr 30, 2008 2:18 PM EDT reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
Here's a link:
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/04/29/buzz-bissinger-freaks-out-at-will-leitch/
Thought it might interest you guys since it had to do with the always combustible relationship of the blogger and the "journalist".
by Andy @ Bloody Elbow on Apr 30, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions
Re: Josh Gross To The Rescue
The NFL does not credential bloggers, even those who are bloggers for ESPN. Ask Matt Mosley who does the Hashmarks blog on ESPN.
He has talked on the radio more than once about being refused credentials and access to the press box at NFL games.
by 2short on May 1, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions
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