Why doesn't official AFL Media treat fans better?

[Ronald Risher]

Anyone else part of the small minority of fans that would appreciate better data driven journalism, like fans of overseas in particular american sports get?



I find this very weird that someone who hosts a podcast on AFL stats/trends would have a dig at people who just provide content for free.

 

[sprockets]

Anyone else part of the small minority of fans that would appreciate better data driven journalism, like fans of overseas in particular american sports get?



I find this very weird that someone who hosts a podcast on AFL stats/trends would have a dig at people who just provide content for free.

Never heard of him or them. 'Journalism' around the world is a disgrace so anyone who'd expect sports journalism to be any different is dreaming.

 

[tandino]

You seem to think you're as worthy as the clubs.

 

[citizen-erased]

id be happy if they stopped making things up and passing it off as news

That would be a start.

 

[Dixie Normous]

I like the busty sheila who does the social media gossip segment on the AFL website on the Mitch Cleary/Kane Cornes show

 

[telsor]

Journalists like to think they speak for the people, and get really upset when people speak for themselves, because it shows how wrong they generally are.

It's not just an AFL thing.

 

[Altum Volantes]

It’s kinda like State run media really isn’t it?

More just marketing/promotion work than actual journalism?

It’s not like that they are going to publish a cutting expose about the league or something..

 

[telsor]

It’s kinda like State run media really isn’t it?

More just marketing/promotion work than actual journalism?

It’s not like that they are going to publish a cutting expose about the league or something..

and they're big enough that journos in other companies wont go at them because they don't want to risk never being employed there (and risk losing their credentials).

 

[Trucker Tiger]

I like the busty sheila who does the social media gossip segment on the AFL website on the Mitch Cleary/Kane Cornes show

Is your name “Robinson Cruesoe”?

 

[Roobs321]

As a kid I loved footy media (read the newspapers, followed the websites, watched the tv shows), but the standard of footy journalism these days is on life support. The AFL website is a joke, the Age has severely cut back, the C7 shows like The Kick/Gameday are about as interesting as toilet paper, etc.

 

[peternorth]

I like the busty sheila who does the social media gossip segment on the AFL website on the Mitch Cleary/Kane Cornes show

Mate wants to know who that is

 

[TheWoodenSlug]

Mate wants to know who that is

Melissa Haase

 

[00Stinger]

I would only buy the herald-sun for the footy news especially on weekends.

Now on the odd occasion I do buy it, I end up getting angry at myself for paying for the dribble

 

[Minka Beaver]

There are more than 800 accredited AFL media, plus many hundreds more commenting on the AFL (not the sport of footy - just the sport's professional league). It's clearly far too many for what remains a seasonal sport played in a tiny region, but it hides an even bigger issue - it has all gone in-house.

Since the AFL founded AFL Media in about 2010, they've taken control over all parts of the game's reporting and now retain all the key contacts and knowledge. The AFL and club media are better at manipulating stories than Pravda; club officials are becoming ever easier to track for leaks, AFL staff are tightly monitored and there are more in-house channels for telling supporters about footy news.

Footy media blandness will only get worse too. The heyday of major newspapers, radio and TV breaking stories is long gone. The best connected people work in-house, news budgets are too low, immediate content is king and - frankly - there aren't that many inventive people or great media talents covering the game. Plus the TV coverage - which is where about 65 per cent of AFL revenue comes from - is all about selling the best product. No scandals or self-criticism there, please.

So, to answer the OP: they don't treat fans better, because the medium and the message are both on the AFL's terms.

 

[tandino]

I hope none of you think you're as worthy as the clubs.

Don't make that mistake kids. Just buy your memberships and shut up.

 

[Allikat]

Well they don't treat their partners or friends well, so why would the fans be any different?