Hockeybird.com: Pouring On The Panic

Never let it be said that the NY area media aren't opportunistic in usually the worst possible way. Between the Rangers season opener, home opener, Messier surpassing Gordie Howe for #2 in all-time scoring and the Jagr trade, I'd estimate these were given maybe five back cover or headline stories between the five major local papers combined. Maybe I'm off by a few either way. Regardless, not even a trade for one of the most recognizable names in hockey merited top story billing in every local's sports section.

Lindros with a concussion of yet unknown severity? It's the back cover and/or headline story in every local paper's sports section today!

Of course, Lindros' injury is news. I'm not denying that for a second. But when the local papers, who usually can't be bothered with hockey, rush to give this story top billing, especially considering the doubtful yet still possible scenario that Lindros may not be out any longer than the weekend, it's the NY area media at their worst. Swirling vultures, poised to swoop down on the most sensationalistic and attention grabbing stories possible in their ongoing battle to attract customers in a fiercely competitive market.

Furthermore, just look at the tact some papers choose to handle this story with. Ironically (or maybe not so), both the NY Post and Daily News back covers feature a picture of the Jason Doig hit on Lindros with the identical large print headline, "KO'd". Messier surpassing Gordie Howe can't get a back page, but the classy and thoughtful "KO'd" surely can.

I should also note that most of my vitriol is directed towards the editors -- the people who choose what stories go where and what gets on the sports cover pages -- and not so much the writers, who all handle the situation fairly even-handedly.

Let's start with the NY Times, who thankfully don't seem to pour on the sensationalism as much as the other locals. Granted, last night's game itself isn't given any more than one sentence, but at least they don't seem to be outright revelling in the opportunity to bring you news of Lindros' latest concussion.

On to the Post where Larry Brooks turns in a pair. First one, a general summation of the Lindros injury and what it might mean. Second one, Larry suggests Lindros should retire out of concern for his long term health.

The Daily News also has a pair. Here on Lindros' injury and concussion history, and here for very brief notes on the actual game and other items of trivia. Make sure you mention your homeboy Brian Leetch again, John! Oh wait, you did.

The Star-Ledger has a trio: Lindros' concussion, the Rangers 2-1 loss (the only article of the twelve today on the actual game itself), and a mixed bag including bits on Anson Carter's thoughts about the trade and the team he left.

Finally, two (this one and this one) from the Journal News, who aren't considered among the "five major local papers" I spoke of earlier. For the reason why, see below.

Just to end this on a different note than more concussion talk, and since I've been talking so much about newspapers already, here's some inane local newspaper trivia for you, ranked in order of daily nationwide circulation:
3. New York Times
6. New York Daily News
9. Newsday
11. New York Post
18. Star-Ledger
(63. Bergen Record, 65. Asbury Park Press, 79. Journal News)

Oh, almost forgot! (Sorry, I was on a roll up there) Chatboy Rodent has an interesting take on last night's game that showed up too late for the post-game update.

My Rangers screen saver is suddenly, repeatedly, crashing. I find it difficult not to take this as an omen. Damn.
Barbara

Posted by: Barbara on January 29, 2004 10:09 PM