Dickie V
One of the interesting things about the new news world order is how stories move through the media, up and down the food chain. Often, it’s difficult to track the stories, because there are so many of them on a given topic, but the case of Dick Vitale—he of YEAH BAY-BEE fame—makes for a good little case study.
As the more rampant college bball fans know, Vitale had throat surgery two months back to repair throat lesions. He couldn’t talk for a few weeks (Yes, I’ve heard all the jokes about what a blessing that might be...) But he’s back, and just in time for the thrilla in Chapel Hilla tonight, featuring old rivals UNC and Duke. We ran a story last week about Vitale’s return to the job he loves. I happen to like the guy. He’s funny and enthusiastic and knowledgeable, a good combination in my book.
John Dell, the reporter who wrote the story, said he pursued it because he thought it would be a good idea to follow up with Vitale after his voice went dark at the beginning of the season. Turns out we weren’t the only ones with the same idea. The Tampa Tribune, our sister paper in Florida, had the story two days earlier. Three days after our story ran, the N&O followed with its own piece. And today, the NY Times gets into the act. Tipoff tonight is at 9, so you can hear for yourself.
So, the big question is: What does all this mean? Beyond the fact that ESPN and Vitale know a good marketing/PR opportunity when they see it .... I think it means a couple of things. First, is that what constitutes news is fluid. Second, original content is in the eye of the beholder. Third, being first is no longer the be-all and end-all for media. It still matters—a lot. But not being first is no longer reason to drop a story. Good writing and analysis also are vital.
Your host is Ken Otterbourg, the managing editor at the Winston-Salem Journal. It's a forum to discuss the media, from
wonder where that term sister paper ever came from? i thought i’d google my friend andrew meadows, and durn he’s jumped ship from the tampa tribune to the citrus association. must have been the vitamin c. we worked together at the florence morning news.
i’ll never forget the halloween we spent with glenn puit, former las vegas review journal reporter, who jumped ship into the private sector too, in dillon county trying to conjure up “the bingham light” in the swamp there. it’s hard not to remember jimmy v when you think of vitale.
you write an interesting blog.
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