Big Mick runs out onto the field for the Panthers in the final!
#BREAKING
For the most part, the 2012 season has been a success off the field for the NRL. The number of scandals has been limited with the majority of players seemingly now able to control their behaviour off the field and conduct themselves as professionals. However this professionalism does not seem to be being reciprocated by those covering the sport. Inconsistency and agenda driven articles are the norm today as the focus on research has given way to gossip column journalism.
The media has the power to manipulate our thoughts and turn us against the game we so dearly love. Instead of focusing on the fantastic projects undertaken by NRL teams and its players, it is more in vogue to focus on the negative and dig as far down as possible to find the next scandal to show NRL in CRISIS.
The standard of journalism in Australia has plummeted in recent years with the growth of social media and the proliferation of gossip column journalism. Avenues such as Twitter have provided a breeding ground for established journalists and those trying to make a name for themselves in exposing NRL players and being the first to BREAK news.
In the NRL this type of gossip publication has grown considerably in recent years. Whether it is the Bec and Buzz section of the Daily Telegraph with their weekly revelations or Danny Weidlers back page spread in the Sun-Herald, this type of media is driving the industry to a place where speculation and agenda are more important than substance and research.
Nothing highlights this concerning trend more than the longstanding fued between the Daily Telegraphs sports editor Phillip Buzz Rothfield and his well-known agenda against the Penrith Panthers and more specifically, Phil Gould. Whether it is doodlegate or the recent inaccuracies in his article claiming the Panthers are a club in crisis, Rothfield is the leader for inconsistency in journalism.
Every day there appears to be a new angle or story from Phillip Buzz Rothfield, mostly of the kind that lacks substance or research. It is well known that Phillip Rothfield has yet to visit the Panthers facility in 2012, or attended a Penrith game, yet feels compelled to make his opinion known and comment on a team he has no intimate knowledge of.
Rothfield claims that the Panthers are a club in crisis but fails to acknowledge that not only are plans in place to succeed for 2013 and beyond, but 2012 is proving a success as well. While the NRL team is currently in 15th position on the ladder, this result is not a reflection of the clubs progression and culture change; it is merely one part of the bigger picture.
In 2011, when Gould took over, the Panthers lower grades were at a historic low. All grades were struggling and the failure of the NYC team was continuing despite the pipeline of junior talent. In 2012, all of the Panthers lower grades look like reaching the finals for the first time in years, while NSW Cup & NYC teams are currently first in their respective competitions. While the results have not been there for the NRL squad, injuries have hampered any potential charge at the finals, not Goulds administration.
Rothfield also fails to acknowledge the recruitment for 2013 where the Panthers, for the first time in a decade, were able to attract four marquee talents in their prime. Then again, reporting actual facts would not suit Rothfields agenda against Gould.
To further highlight this blatant inconsistency is Rothfield's history of reporting with regards to NSW and Sharks five-eight Todd Carney. On the 28th February 2011, Rothfield wrote that Todd Carneys multiple indiscretions should have resulted in him being incarcerated to be taught a lesson once and for all. No less than eight months later on 25th October 2011, after a contract signed, sealed and delivered at Rothfields beloved Sharks, all was forgiven and the good guy stories followed - labelling the move as a perfect marriage.
This inconsistency with agenda driven editorials has become common place in the media in recent years. It is unfortunately a sad reflection on our game and the state of journalism in Australia today. The sad reality is that quality journalism is no longer a priority. The priority now lies in reporting fast and first without regard for facts or appropriate research. Journalistic content with substance doesnt matter as much agenda-driven gossip which drives hits and Retweets - that is the biggest tragedy of all.
747 Words
REF:
Buzzs Blog Feb 28, 2011
Buzzs Blog October 25, 2011
Gould takes long view & builds up Panthers ranks, Brad Walter, 22nd June 2012