It’s pretty much a given that bad news is good news from the media’s perspective and these guys thrive in this environment, as do most journalists.
It doesn’t seem to matter to these footy doyens what they inflict on the public, so long as they invoke some form or reaction.
I can’t speak for everyone, but as someone who considers themselves a footy person, I’ve turned off reading any of their articles and head to the loo, if and when they appear on television.
I got to the stage where I was shrugging my shoulders and rolling my eyes as these two set about eviscerating their targets. There’s no surprises with either Kane Cornes or Damian Barrett, their articles and stories are like your local pub – you always know what to expect.
Damien Barret’s Sliding Doors formula has a very simple approach, pillory any team or individual when things aren’t going well then move on to the next big negative. Yes, I know he focusses on some positives, but with far less vigour.
If you happen to be in the majority of teams not travelling so well, then it’s the same old predictable doom and gloom. Rumour has it that the Grim Reaper invited Barrett to a party and then asked him to leave shortly after because he was lowering the mood.
While I’m at it, let’s focus on their TV personas, neither of them could be considered students of Dale Carnegie. In a two horse race for the most accomplished presenter, Cornes probably has the edge on Barrett, but let’s face it, neither of them set the bar particularly high.
Now, before you all pile on and tell me that they must be doing something right to motivate me into writing this article… I’m sitting at home bored out of my britches and this seemed like a good thing to do.
So then, are they good for footy? I’ll let you be the judge.
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Guest
This is less a footy problem and more of a problem with journalism itself these days - just look at the standard of news reporting we get. The 24 hour news cycle creates a hell of a lot of empty space that needs to be filled with something. Combine that with an audience that can't or won't engage with anything they can't read or watch in less than 60 (if not 30 seconds) and this is what we're left with - vapid, sensationalist tripe. Journalists are scrambling for relevance in order to keep their own job and get the next article posted, scrounging around for minor, nonsensical garbage that wouldn't have rated a mention 20 years ago but now gets pored over for days. And got help us all when an actual story pops up - the feeding frenzy begins and lasts for months if not years as journalists' eyes light up with dollar signs at the thought of all that word count, even though most of those words tend to just get repeated over and over because most of the journalists lack the analytical skills (or maybe just the work ethic, or maybe are just in too much of a hurry to get the next article out) to dig deeper into the issues and lay them out for their audience. Out of curiosty, do Barrett and Cornes even have any qualifications as journalists? I'm not sure about Barrett, but Cornes went straight from footy to a short, ill-fated career as a firefighter (too hard - surprise!) then pretty much straight into the media. I'm not sure where he found time to study journalism in there.
robertbrob13226
Roar Rookie
Only watch footy with mute button on . Taylor @ Darcy are appalling, and Robinson only likes to listen to his own voice
Lincoln
Roar Rookie
They're just giving the majority of the footy public want they want....sensationalism. They wouldn't be so successful if they didn't have a large target audience that tunes into their content. They're filling demand. The majority of the footy public seem to prefer entertainment instead of technical analysis or cliches from media trained players/officials.
AG
Guest
The issue with Cornes is he targets individuals or clubs that he doesn't seem to like. He makes comments and uses his position in the media to go after anyone who doesn't agree with him.
Jenny
Guest
Very negative! Cornes bags anyone having fun, can't stand him. I would like to see constructive criticism on certain plays where a team can improve, not sending players into a depression by them ridiculing their every move. Scrap 'em both and put two footy brains on there, maybe 3.
mlhar3
Roar Rookie
I agree about Barrett but really enjoy listening to Cornes’ point of view. He says it how he sees & I respect that. Loved the reference of the Grim Reaper!
Angela
Roar Rookie
Like them both, particularly Kane Cornes.
Simon
Guest
No
PeteB
Roar Rookie
I’d say roughly 80% of footy journalists are bad for footy. There’s just way too many employed in the industry desperately trying to outdo each other to be noticed. The quality of their work is shitzenhousen as they go for the dramatic headline rather then any fact checking or research. Most bring nothing of value to the table. Generally in recent years I’ve only watched or listened to games and read Roar articles and I’m finding I’m not missing out on anything.
Cat
Roar Guru
I don’t mind Barrett. Cornes is a waste of space. Cornes goes purely for the sensational headline that often screams ‘look at me, look at me’. Cornes is so obviously about himself it’s pathetic. While Barrett can be seen as negative - and I don’t enjoy everything he writes - he doesn’t write in a style that scream look at me the way Cornes does.
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
Every football code seems to have it’s controversial media performers. These guys perform an ugly but necessary service ( think dung beetles on the African plains cleaning up after the wildebeest). The funny thing is, long after they retire we sort of feel nostalgic for their eccentric observations and tell our younger mates, that things were better in the old days.
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
Couldn’t agree more. We were lamenting the old days of the Sunday Age sports lift out on Sunday. 3aw’s footy coverage is probably the most balanced, even allowing for Robbo & Caro. Unfortunately the ABC is less about the footy, and more about social issues around it. Craig Jennings and Brenton Sanderson’s segments by far the best for actually talking about footy.