Angry Journalists!

These days, the journalistic profession is undergoing some big time changes: shrinking viewership, shrinking readership, competition from the web, 100s of new tv channels on cable and dish, etc. As a result, in an effort to keep profit margins from shrinking at the same rate, journalists are expected to do more, much more, with and for less: time, salary, etc. One of the ways to cut costs is by cutting overly inflated salaries of anchors, reporters and news management. As a result, newroom staffs across the country are getting leaner, meaner and younger. More and more television and newspaper staffs are combining their news staffs to embrace the new media, while cutting overhead.

For some stations, the cuts have been deep and dramatic. CBS is swinging a sharp ax through the heart of it's stations.

But it's not just the big boys feeling the pinch. It's all over, and it's left some journalists very angry. Now it's nothing new for employees to complain about their working conditions. That goes for some at ABC, all the way down to Captain D's, but in this case it might be signaling a change in the business. In at least some cases, expect journalistic quality taking a backseat to journalistic quantity. In most cases, researching, writing and delivering a sound story takes some time. That's time which is not afforded as much in this high-tech and high-speed new world of delivering information, and 24-hour cable news channels.

With so many outlets, the thing that will set the best apart from the rest is credibility. Many already trust the information they get from some outlets more than others. Some outlets concentrate on telling readers what they want to hear instead of a more objective approach. It's a great marketing ploy which breeds customers who trust only those reports which are slanted toward their beliefs and political leanings, but in the long run, the loss of objectivity can lead to the loss of credibility.

Credibility is gained over a long period of time, by seasoned, experienced, professional reporters. It's a marathon, not a sprint. The tricky part is that credibility, just like a reputation, can be earned over years and years, but then lost in a relatively short period of time. Just ask some of the folks at The New York Times. That's why it's even more important these days for news reporters, meteorologist, sports reporters and more importantly, news managers to place a higher priority on "getting it right," than "getting it first," even though "getting it first" is still very important.

By the way, if you work at Captain D's and want to complain, try THIS SITE!

American Idol (Dolly Week): I LOVE Dolly Parton, although I wasn't so fond of some of the versions sung by the American Idol kids. I have to give credit to Dolly for having one of the better plastic surgeons around as she certainly looks nicer than some of the plastic surgery freaks out there these days. Perhaps one of the reasons is that she never really looked "natural" anyway! She's still one of my favorites though, especially "Jolene" and "To Daddy." Contestant wise, David Cook, the critter-club/bar band vet from Missouri is continuing to grow on me. I 'm still puzzled that 3 "retreads" remain: Carly, Michael and Kristy. Am I the only one who finds it odd that a foreigner could win AMERICAN Idol?

On the AI Sidebar:

The Report that Randy Jackson was intrigued with Carly Smithson in 1999 when he was with Artist Development at MCA Records, and Carly Smithson (Hennessy) was signed to....MCA Records. Has this connection played a part in her Idol success?

Is teenybopper-hearthrob David Archuleta's "stage dad" out of control?

March Madness: Final Four

For the first time ever, since the field was expanded, all four top seeds from the regionals advanced to the Final Four, and I'm pleased to say I have all four in my bracket: Kansas, UCLA, North Carolina and Memphis.

Memphis impressed again with their strong showing in whipping Texas in the Lone Star State. Maybe losing to Tennessee earlier in the year was the best thing that could have ever happened to them. They got their ship into shape and have had smooth sailing ever since.

UCLA also looks sharp, especially freshman center Kevin Love, but they look like the weakest of the 4 to this point.

North Carolina and Louisville was a great game, and the Tarheels also look to be powerful! Poplar Bluff's Tyler Hansbrough is having a great season and tournament. He simply willed the Tarheels to the win over Louisville.

Kansas and Davidson was the best regional final of the bunch. I had Kansas winning, but couldn't help but pull for Davidson and sharp-shooting guard Stephen Curry. I love watching Curry play, even away from the ball and watching his quick release. It dawned on me how much his play reminds me of a kid I covered in high school in Tennessee, Cannon Whitby. Whitby played at Obion Central and was very similar. He was slight of build, but with quick feet, a quick release and a deadly accurate shooting touch. So much so, that he's #3 in the Tennessee state high school scoring records, with almost 3,500 points. (I could have sworn he broke the state scoring record, but perhaps they updated those later, since I noticed both the guys ahead of him played in the 1960's) The most amazing part of his point total, and the ones ahead of him, were they all played BEFORE the 3 point shot. Nonetheless, Whitby's total is around 400 more than former NBA stars Tony Delk and Anfernee Hardaway. Also of note, Cannon's brother, Denver is only a little over 200 points behind Cannon in the Tennessee state scoring records.

Who'll win the final four? Well I've got North Carolina, but am pulling for Memphis. Interesting that Memphis' semifinal game is against UCLA, who beat the Tigers for the National Championship back in the early 70s, in the game where Bill Walton solidified his reputation as one of the greatest college players ever. Memphis had a great team that year too, with the likes of Larry Finch and Bobby Parks playing for one of the best college coaches ever, Gene Bartow.

Sometimes, I seek out old friends...

As we get older, we value our old friends even more. Some of them are personal friends. Some of them are our "friends" with whom we grew up. As the rain beat down this day, I went looking for some old friends to see what they were up to or to remember how much I loved them. Some of them, you might find surprising.

One of them was a Memphis based band which I grew up on, Big Star. I remember the music. I remember the time. Heck, I remember shopping at the grocery chain for which they're named.



I also remember the other bands I used to go see back in my youth in West Tennessee: Target (with Jimi Jamison), The Windows, Rasin' Kane, Head East, Snowblind, TR Crooks and more.

There's been a lot of "girl groups" through the years, but first was The Runaways. One of the greatest concerts I "never saw" was The Runaways opening for The Ramones. (it was canceled due to poor ticket sales....oh my) Back in the day, I couldn't choose between Joan, Lita and Cherie. Know what? I still can't!



Back in the 70s I would have given anything to sing like Al Green. I still would. I'll never forget John Kilzer telling me how he learned to play guitar by trading his complimentary Memphis State basketball tickets to Teenie Hodges, Al Green's guitar player and Memphis songwriter, for guitar lessons. Man!!! I'm STILL jealous....even to this day!



There were SO many great ones that came from within a stones throw of me, and I marvel at them, like Bobby Whitlock, from Lake County, TN. (not to mention...but also a regular on the old Johnny Cash show was an up and coming musician/comedian named Steve Martin)



Of course, when I think of Lake County, I think of one of the biggest influences on me musically and in so many ways: Carl Perkins. I'll always treasure the times I coaxed him into telling me stories about the old days, and how to live life these days.

That was back when Clapton and I had more hair.....he still has more than me. I'll never forget Carl telling me how Dave Edmonds "corrected" him on some of his own songs! He said he was taken aback for minute, but then realized Edmonds was RIGHT. Carl said he had strayed from the original way he played some of his old songs over the years, but that Edmonds was such a devotee, he knew the original versions note for note, and "that boy knew what he was talking about!" By the way, if you want a real treat, watch the Youtube clips from the old Johnny Cash Show. You'll be shocked at just the kind of talent that appeared on that show! It was awesome...from Joni Mitchell to ??? In the meantime, Carl was so cool! I miss him so much!



Such a cool clip...cause it includes 3 of my favorites: Carl, Setzer and Edmonds....

March Madness Impressions: Sweet 16-Elite 8

March Madness continues, with the cream slowly rising to the top. Tennessee proved to be not so creamy as Louisville blew them out. I was afraid of this, with Tennessee's inconsistent recent play combined with Louisville's jelling and improved health. Should be a great game between Louisville and North Carolina, as the Tarheels are hitting on all cylinders too! I should take time though, to congratulate Bruce Pearl. He's done a marvelous job at Tennessee and I really appreciate his giving tribute to the late, great Ray Mears by wearing the orange blazer from time to time. I got to know Mears while he was serving as AD and AD Emeritus at UT Martin, and he was a wonderful man. Mears was the one who put Tennessee basketball on the map, even though it slipped off for a few years following his departure. His struggle against depression was heroic and inspiring. I'm a richer person for having known him.

There has been a lot written and said about Memphis' poor free throw shooting. When you're ahead 30 points at halftime and cruising, you don't have to worry a lot about free throws. "Tiger High" was certainly impressive. I just know Big Jack Eaton's smile is as wide as the state of Tennessee right now.

Xavier continues to impress and all the while, making my wife, Bridget look like a genius! Bridget picked Xavier to make it to the final four as her "darkhorse" pick, and she's looking pretty smart right now! Xavier's overtime win over West Virginia was the only close game of the Sweet Sixteen. Don't you know CBS HATES that the majority of the games weren't any closer.

Davidson's a great story. They're well coached and play well together. Stephan Curry is a treat to watch, just like his Dad was! Davidson has an enrollment of 1,700. That's about the HALF the size of Union University in Jackson, TN, and well less than the full time enrollment of West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, KY.

Kansas is VERY impressive, along with Texas. Maybe the Big 12 was the strongest conference.

Stanford's Lopez twins are awesome. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough to go with them.


Western Kentucky's Ty Rogers of Eddyville, KY STILL has the shot of the tournament. Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples wrote Rogers may never have to buy a beer in Eddyville again. Truth is, he never has. Eddyville is in Lyon County, a dry county, no beer. In Kentucky, when they say dry, they mean DRY! I hated to see the Toppers fall to UCLA, but they fought a good fight.

Overall: Let's not get too wound up on who should do this or who should do that. Keep in mind that we're talking about 20-year-old boys. Did you do everything perfect when you were a 20-year-old kid? MANY will attest that I did NOT!

Jody, We Hardly Knew Ya: Murray State women's coach Jody Adams jumped ship after only one year at Murray State. It was a great year, with the Lady Racer's 1st NCAA tournament appearance. Can't blame her for cashing in. although it's tough for Murray. I watched Adams play high school basketball for Bradley Central (Cleveland, TN) and the winningest HS coach ever, Jim Smiddy (1,217 wins-206 losses), and then play for the winningest college coach ever, Pat Summitt. What a pedigree. Heck, I watched Pat Head Summitt play college basketball at UT Martin! I guess that makes me an "old dude" as the kids say. Smiddy always impressed me. I watched him coach so many games over the years, and I never saw him raise his voice or even get out of his chair. Maybe he did, but I never saw it. He just sat there calmly, in that yellow blazer. His kids were just SO well drilled and coached. They were like a machine. To me, he always seemed so very organized and prepared. Pat Summitt, on the other hand, is a general. She truly has a commanding presence. When I've been in the same room with her, she has such a powerful aura about her. It's amazing. How cool is it that Adams played for and learned from both.

Don't EVER ask a coach for Bracket help: The winningest Men's college basketball coach, Bobby Knight picked Pitt to win the NCAA tournament. I didn't. Pitt didn't even make the Sweet 16. Am I smarter than Bobby Knight? Nope. It's just that coaches don't watch many teams play basketball. They just watch THEIR teams and THEIR opponents tapes.

Commercials: Observation from the "Guitar Hero" commercial: Slash now makes Keith Richards look like the "picture of health." Observation from the Applebee's commercial: That's voiced by the "Northern Exposure" guy. The fact that I immediately recognized the voice says a lot. What a perfect choice for their voice over!

American Idol: Hated to see Chikezie go. Would much rather retread Michael Johns be sent packing, or Kristy Lee Cook, who went "Lee Greenwood" on us! On the way up: David Cook. On the way down: David Archuleta (although I still predict Archuleta makes the final 2).

March Madness Impressions: Round 2

On to the sweet sixteen and several of the "sexy" upset picks are now gone: Butler and Sienna among others, although Davidson remains alive. My final four remains alive too: Kansas, North Carolina, Memphis and UCLA.

Several experts had Butler picked to beat Tennessee and the Vols did everything they could to prove them right by turning the ball over so many times and playing so sloppy. In the end, their talent won out, but it was a close call. A.J. Graves for Butler played an outstanding game and almost rallied the Bulldogs to the win. Next up for Tennessee is Louisville, who looked very impressive. If Tennessee plays Louisville like they played Butler, they'll be sent packing.

Davidson had a great record coming in, and proved they were no fluke in knocking off Georgetown. Dell Curry's kid is a chip off the old block as a pure shooter!

Western Kentucky is a great story headed to the sweet sixteen. I'm especially happy for Eddyville, KY's Ty Rogers as his college career gets extended at least another week! Go Toppers! although I don't know if they can give UCLA much of a game. That Kevin Love looks unstoppable. Ty better hit a bunch of 3's.

Memphis squeaked by Mississippi State in a game that I'm afraid might be a foreshadow to the Tigers bowing out in the next round against Michigan State, or on down the line. They were ahead pretty comfortably with less than a minute to go, and MSU started fouling, and Memphis started missing their free throws (again). They hung on, but it was too close for comfort.

KFVS 12 in Cape Girardeau, MO had a difficult decision Sunday afternoon. KFVS covers portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas and had simultaneous games involving Memphis, Louisville and Arkansas. Did they make the right decision? I don't know! I'm just glad I didn't have to make that call! They DID get some help in that Louisville and Arkansas wound up involved in blowouts. In the meantime, it made me long for the days a few years ago when they split the games with ESPN and you could watch more or less the game of your choosing.
They have a package on DirecTV which allows you to watch any of the games you choose, but I choose not to pay for it! (I'm pretty cheap)

Hand Me My Phone, The News Is On...

If you haven't noticed, local broadcasters are moving more and more to the web. They're trying to embrace new technology and changing consumer habits. If they don't, they'll be left behind. Key to the metamorphosis is moving to cellphones. Local stations are already having viewers sign up for news updates and weather updates sent directly to their cellphones, but they're also quietly moving to the next phase, which should be available in a year or so. That's right, you should soon be able to watch KFVS 12 and NewsChannel 6, along with other stations, LIVE on your cellphone.

There's still a lot to be determined. An industry-wide standardized format has to decided. That's happening right now. Once it is, a small tuner will then be manufactured into the new phones. They also have to decide whether to charge for the service. Some industry analysts think there's a good chance the service will be free, because the local stations will add this feature to their local advertising packages. Several cellphone companies already have video services available, but they're not very popular. Those video services are usually short clips of recorded video, be it news, sports, etc. Consumers would rather see the LIVE broadcasts from their local stations and networks. I think it'll be a big hit, especially if it's a free service.

On the downside, it'll be just "one more thing" distracting drivers and causing auto accidents. Which brings us to the next logical question, when auto accidents are caused by folks watching "Wheel of Fortune" instead of the road, who gets sued?

March Madness Impressions: Round 1

In MY bracket, the Final Four is Kansas, North Carolina, Memphis and UCLA, with North Carolina winning it all. This even though my heart of hearts championship game is Memphis against Tennessee again!

After watching the 1st round games, I wonder if Tennessee can get there, and maybe it's the "deflation factor." I've watched a lot of tournaments over the years, and one thing that has stuck with me for a long time was what longtime TSSAA and Milan broadcaster Bill Haney told me once. He didn't call it the "deflation factor," but instead, after a team won a great game late in the year, or in the tournament he would simply comment, "There's no way they can win anymore. They done beat who they wanted to beat." I watched it time and time again. A team would rise up and play a fantastic game and win a game, against all odds, and then the rest of the way, they couldn't come close to matching the intensity level reached in that emotional game. I'm wondering if that's not Tennessee's problem. Ever since they played such a fantastic game in knocking Memphis from Number 1, they haven't been the same team. They followed up their emotional win over the Tigers with a loss to Vanderbilt and have not looked like the same "pre-Memphis" team since.

In their opening game against American, they looked bad, by their own standards. We'll see if they can get their "mojo" back, but for the time being, they've looked somewhat "deflated," like "they done beat who they wanted to beat."

I hear so many analysts talking about the Big East and Pac 10 teams, but to my mind, there are at least 10 teams which could win the tournament this year. So many are great teams at times, but so beatable at other times. It should make for an exciting tournament. I'm really pulling for Tennessee and Memphis, but I don't get too bummed if they lose. I made up my mind a long time ago that my happiness would not hinge on whether a group of 20 year old boys did what they were supposed to do.

In the NCAA tournament, I always pull for my favorite teams, but I also pull for the "local" kids, too. It was great to see tiny Eddyville, Kentucky product Ty Rogers nail the winning shot for Western Kentucky against Drake! It's great to see what Poplar Bluff's Tyler Hansbrough has been able to do for North Carolina.

Friday night presented a dilema for CBS Afilliate KFVS in Cape Giradeau, MO. They cover parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois and a slice of Arkansas. Friday night, at once, we had games involving Louisville (Kentucky), Memphis (Tennessee) and Arkansas.

I covered Rick Byrd's Belmont teams when they were in the NAIA, playing Union and Lambuth, and I came out of my seat when Belmont almost beat Duke. I thought it was a "hoot" that their best player was a transfer from nearby Trevecca Nazarene. Seeing David Lipscomb and Belmont in the NCAA Divsion 1 make me wonder if the days of the NAIA are numbered. I also covered Dave Loos (Austin Peay) when he was in the NAIA at Christian Brothers. I always thought the world of both of them. Class Acts!

Commercials: The Old Spice commercials kinda weird me out. I wonder if they're really effective in boosting sales.

Announcers: Love Verne Lundquist & love Tim Brando, even though he made a big goof in declaring the SEC was still looking for it's 1st win in the tournament after Tennessee had already won. I understand Jim Nance is a very nice person, although I find him totally devoid of personality as a play by play guy, in any sport he does. A lot of fans hate Billy Packer, but he doesn't bother me. I kinda like him. You never wonder what he's thinking or where he stands. I also like Bill Raftery. Solid knowledge and a little fun, and that's what it's all about.


PS: A while back, I blogged about Orlando Columnist Mike Bianchi's assertation that only an "idiot" would pick Tiger Woods to beat the field at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Of course, in the end, Tiger sank a 24 ft putt to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. To his credit, Bianchi has declared himself an idiot and admitted, maybe TV folks aren't so stupid after all.