The logical response to these changes in sports writing is that the younger generation loves it and the older generation needs to get used to it. ESPN did not get to be a “Media juggernaut” by accident; they got there because they made money. Things evolve, from professions to technology. The longer box scores are not there anymore because people can simply access them online so it is likely a cost cutting measure in this struggling economy. Sports are about the game on the field. However, once you start getting paid for your contributions to sports it becomes a business for everyone involved. The successful athletes know that, and the successful writers know that. Technology is changing nearly every genre; sports writing has never been immune to that. Sports writing heavily benefited from the advent of the newspaper, just as it will benefit in this age of instant information. Whoever can figure out how to get the most out of sports writing in this era will make the most money. That may be a cynical way to view sports writing in this era, but the businesses that hire sports writers have two bottom lines. Dollars, and cents. Sense even comes secondary sometimes if a buzz is created. Otherwise shock jocks and crash television would not exist in those businesses. Start a blog with a hot rumor, if word gets around and the rumor is true, people will keep coming back. The internet is changing the face of media in the world. Those who choose to keep complaining about it may catch a beat down, Jim Rome style.
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