I just finished reading the sports blog Reporter sticks with U-M alliances (SN 10/30) by James Andersen. I, like many others, am upset that this article was published. Don’t get me wrong: I actually have no problem that a pro-Michigan article appeared in The State News. I do, however, have a considerable issue with its content. Andersen states, and I quote, “With MSU controlling the game in 2004, I cheered when Drew Stanton hurt his shoulder late in the game,” as well as this gem: “I cheered and laughed when Stanton blew out his knee in the 2003 Alamo Bowl, too.”
Is this the kind of person we want representing MSU? He is entitled to his opinion, but to publish things like that in The State News is just not right. Why? Because The State News is a publication of MSU and calls itself “MSU’s independent voice.” This not only makes The State News look bad for publishing such a story — it makes MSU look bad as well.
As a journalism major myself, I can tell you this is not what I consider to be journalism. It’s certainly not news, and it is clear that the sole purpose of the article is to stir up controversy. It is not informative in any sense, except to inform us of the low quality of journalism we produce here at MSU and the poor character of one of the writers who works at our newspaper.
It upsets me that The State News must resort to this in order to draw attention and stir up conversation. I am not only disgusted with the author of this article but also with the editors who allowed it to run. I know a lot of journalists consider controversy to be a good thing, as it encourages more of a response. However, this is a poor representation of not only The State News and the MSU School of Journalism but the students and all of MSU as well. I think you need to keep in mind just how big of an impact a story like this can have, and in this case, a negative one. Please try to be more thoughtful.
Justin Bailey
journalism sophomore
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “U-M sports blog serves no purpose, is low quality” on social media.
