VTTW Board Index

Sports => VTTW Message Board => Topic started by: droner on February 14, 2019, 02:48:01 EST



Title: Haslam doesn't like criticism.........
Post by: droner on February 14, 2019, 02:48:01 EST
A few days ago I posted a link to the ESPN article on Haslam and the Cleveland Browns. He has taken offense and Pilot has ceased advertising on ESPN.

https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2019/02/13/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Pilot-Flying-J.aspx (https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2019/02/13/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Pilot-Flying-J.aspx)


Title: Re: Haslam doesn't like criticism.........
Post by: Tnphil on February 14, 2019, 03:15:16 EST
Hurt his feelings I guess.


Title: Re: Haslam doesn't like criticism.........
Post by: Creek Walker on February 14, 2019, 06:15:07 EST
I am pretty sure any one of us would do the same thing in his case. And I say that as a journalist and newspaper owner. I thought the ESPN story was well-written and intriguing. There was certainly nothing wrong with it. And, yet, if I am a wealthy business owner spending a ton of money on marketing, and an outfit that I'm spending some of that money with runs an investigative piece that is highly critical of me and my wife and our leadership, I can almost guarantee you that I would cancel those ads.

I don't think it says anything negative about Haslam that he canceled his advertising. I think he's guilty of having an ego just like the rest of us, and guilty of getting his feelings hurt just like the rest of us. As for ESPN, they know it comes with the territory. It's why most reputable news organizations work hard to maintain separation between the business side and the editorial side. Otherwise, you let your decisions on what stories your reporters pursue and what stories you're willing to publish be tainted by advertisers' dollars. My small community newspaper is obviously not on the same level as ESPN, but I've had to field those calls from ticked-off advertisers who felt betrayed by news coverage...as if the business they do with us somehow curries favor.

I lose no sleep over Haslam's predicament, nor over ESPN's. But I don't think either party was in the wrong. ESPN did its job. Haslam responded predictably. Life goes on.


Title: Re: Haslam doesn't like criticism.........
Post by: JeffCountyVolFan on February 14, 2019, 03:05:54 EST
I completely agree, CW.


Title: Re: Haslam doesn't like criticism.........
Post by: Black Diamond Vol on February 14, 2019, 05:00:26 EST
He's taken plenty of criticism from Vols fans. I sure wish he'd get mad and sever ties with UT. :banghead: