I’m going to down a few quick thoughts as I’m going to busy during the day so I don’t know if I’ll be able to post much. I’ll give you some thoughts to tie you in the interim.
- I was saddened to hear that USA Today laid off reporters in its sports section. Those cut included media and business writer Mike McCarthy who became a friend to your humble blogger, Tom Weir of the extraordinary Game Om! blog and Tom Pedulla who described his surreal experienceof losing his job to Ed Sherman of The Sherman Report.A piece of disclosure here. Fang’s Bites is part of the USA Today Media Group, but is an independently-owned blog. I was not aware of the layoffs until they were reported. I certainly hate to see anyone lose a job, especially in this economy. Here’s hoping Mike and Tom W. will find new positions soon.
- The move by the New Orleans Times-Picayune to reduce printing its newspaper to three days a week this fall stinks to high heaven. I know we’re in a digital age, but journalism is not about how many clicks you can attract. It’s about serving the community and acting as a check on local government. I hope the Times-Picayune can find a balance that keeps the organization alive.
- With NBC announcing the amount of hours it will provide on its various platforms for the London Olympics it’s a step in the right direction. With some 272½ hours on the main network, plus another 5,262½ hours on cable and online combined, we’ll see a plethora of Olympic coverage this summer. I hope NBCUniversal will step up. I’m still dreading seeing Ryan Seacrest while looking forward to seeing Michelle Beadle in London.
- I heard through a couple of sources that Friend of Fang’s Bites Jen Royle was approached by ESPN for an unspecified role. Not sure if it means TV or radio. She nor ESPN are officially talking. I’ll let you know if anything develops.
- And congratulations to Steve Lepore of Puck The Media. He’s moved his site to SB Nation where he’ll continue to provide his quality work.
And that will end the thoughts. Enjoy your Friday.
