Middleman Matchup

I sat second row at the Orange Bowl and I can guarantee that I wasn't the only one providing up-to-date game coverage.

ESPN's Web site is my homepage. I like ESPN because it sheds a different light on sports coverage. But ESPN and other sports media companies are going to have to rethink things if they want to stay alive against team and league Web sites.

I updated friends and family during the game with the help of my fantastic seats. Would my story be preferred to one of the Big Wigs' though?
Photo: Meghan Murphy

With the popularity of the Web and Web-savy entrepreneurs, companies like ESPN had to think of original ways to gain readership. ESPN offers up-to-date coverage via Web and text messaging. It turned to hiring well-known names like Rick Reilley. Its prior success isn't enough. It wants the names and the talent behind its company.

But how far is talent going to get ESPN? Is fame going to make viewers neglect team and league Web sites and the competition they offer to the big wigs? Is talent going to make them want to wait, even if just a few seconds, for a story when they can get breaking coverage elsewhere?

ESPN provides unique talent behind stories with original style written by well known writers. But talent alone won't get ESPN the viewers; maybe just win a little respect in the end.

I go to ESPN first for sports coverage. But where does the average viewer go? Why do viewers go to team and league Web sites? The quicker coverage postings? Content may matter to people like myself but it's the facts that are beginning to matter more, not just the quality or talent behind a story.

As sad as it is for me to hear in a world of journalism, talent or "fame" may not always be the answer. If I provided instant coverage from the Orange Bowl, would you have read my story or wanted the innovative skills of the big wigs?