SI's Richard Deitsch interviews Poynter

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/richard_deitsch/06/13/ESPN.poynter/

My takeaway? Poynter has helped ESPN a lot, though most viewers probably don't notice it and Poynter can't offer any concrete proof. And not tackling the Craig James thing? We said we would get to it, but we didn't. Sorry.

 

My respect for Poynter continues to decrease and this Q and A didn't change that. A lot of hot air and tap dancing around the real issues. These 2 Poynter folks are at the forefront of effective journalism? We're more screwed than I thought. I think Poynter decided to do this 18-month omsbud gig simply because ESPN was the hot chick and Poynter wanted street cred by dating her.

One point: Deitsch asked about some of the reckless comments made by some on-air folks (the Cowherd comment about New Orleans being the country's most dangerous city). The answer was that Poynter can't chase after each reckless comment, basically saying that each comment is on its own and too trivial to devote time to addressing. Then why not take a number (10, 20) of those reckless comments and deal with that issue as a trend?

 

So, Poynter, is it OK for a newspaper to buy the naming rights of an arena where you regularly cover games?

 

I want Daulerio to take over as Ombudsman when Poynter's 18-month term ends.

 

Amazing number of evasive answers. The refusal to reveal the financial terms of the arrangement is mind-boggling.