I do not know if the area around media has been covered before, but I feel that it is the perfect time for a discussion around this.
I have been a huge supporter of Keith Quinn as a truly great commentator and journalist, he spent hours after a game dissecting it in an impartial manner.
Australia have also had icons back in the 1980s and ’90s whom I enjoyed listening to, plus of course South Africa with that accent that draws you in.
Before social media came on board and less competition as now paid TV has become powerful, it was only free-to-air TV and radio to watch or listen to games live.
There was a true connection between supporters and the game, because of the media with genuine understanding along with commentators.
Can we honestly say that the supporters have that same connection currently?
Commentators from the major countries show biased views during a game, and do not think about proper reasoning for supporters, especially new viewers. This happens also when ex-players come straight into commentary without doing a proper course to prove themselves.
Social media sites also have a responsibility and duty of care before publishing to the public. How will articles effect supporters? Is the article providing a positive reflection of the sport?
Without going over old ground, we have seen controversies recently – rather than bringing it out once, the media have kept up the fire to keep people engaging! Not positively.
All media should have the responsibilities of positive engagement with relevant news, while providing genuine positive knowledge about the sport.
What I have seen happening unfortunately is that supporters are more divided. Call me old-fashioned but we all belong to this great community and so we should be unified.
This is the game that is played in Heaven, let us come together for the good of the game.
I have been on other sites in Britain, South Africa and New Zealand. Without any shadow of a doubt, The Roar is the best and full of knowledgeable and genuine people.
Geoff Parkes, Brett McKay, Harry Jones, Nick Bishop and Tony Harper, you are great examples of what journalism is about: impartial with respect to everyone while imparting your knowledge.
If other media outlets could read The Roar, then they would know what the supporters really need and want.
To my fellow Roarers: what, if anything, can you see the mainstream media changing to become more engaging? Are the current commentators fulfilling what you expect and providing genuine understanding?
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
He didn’t just commentate MZ he entertained us too . Could make a boring game so much more interesting . He was the Gold Standard . :rugby:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I cannot go against my ABs and Crusaders, but many Kiwis including myself have the Wallabies as their second favourite team… :stoked: :thumbup: Off to bed before I get in trouble :shocked: :thumbup:
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
It's definitely a conundrum for how we get a 2nd tier comp going and financially viable here in Australia. There's been plenty of articles and posts about it on here and nobody can seem to agree on anything apart from the fact that we NEED something. One thought I have is that all Kiwi ex-pats living here in OZ have to give up their home team allegiance (you can keep the All Blacks) and adopt an Aussie team. I think it's criminal that Melbourne has such a big Kiwi population but the Rebels struggle to draw a crowd. What do you think? :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I will check that out tomorrow, cheers for the heads up :thumbup: I agree and that is why I support Aussie needing a competitive and strong club competition, a stepping stone to Super Rugby. Have a look at the NPC as it will help you to see what is needed in Australia, it is QF’s currently. :thumbup:
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
I'm a big Doom metal fan. Have you checked out the Redux cover of AiC's Dirt album? I love Howling Giant's cover of Rooster. It's a bit of a glut of rugby at the moment. It's a shame we didn't have more Aussie games straight after the end of Super Rugby. I got a bit bored having to wait two weeks in between test matches. The Pacific Nations cup was good though. I've enjoyed the Aus A games this season. But rugby in Australia is leaving itself exposed to the other codes by not having consistent games after Super Rugby especially as that's the time of year the other codes are building into their finals.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I have had a few and have the stereo pumping out, Alice in Chains currently :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
It sounds like a good Sunday to me for you, I wish that they played NZ under 19s tour of SA.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
Not much productivity happening at my place this weekend Tim. Today I watched France v Springboks & Black Ferns v Wallaroos plus Aus A v Japan XV and tomorrow Stan are broadcasting the U16s and U19s National Championships and the QLD Reds Development XV vs QLD Presidents is being televised on the QLD Reds Facebook.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
By then Stan would have sorted some issues, they have really embraced Rugby which is great to see. You are totally correct about Australian Rugby and the growth especially in the women’s game, it is great to see someone else being positive about the game in Australia… :thumbup:
bottom feeder
Guest
Some of the best critical analysis of the game one can watch is by Swys de Bruin , Mallett and others on " The Final Whistle " - Youtube .Admittedly from a South African perspective but very well done.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
I hope not. I think the Stan product is way superior to Foxtel - at least in the number and diversity of games covered. It's certainly interesting times though with the development of streaming. I'm generally positive about rugby in Australia and with the World Cup/s and Lions tours coming up hopefully we can see it grow. The growth of the women's games and 7s has been fantastic.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I wonder if Foxtel will try and get rights for the 2027 RWC? I assume they will try.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
Interestingly, Christy Doran still seems to punch out some regular, and informative, columns on rugby on FoxSports.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Fair points SD… :thumbup:
Daffyd
Roar Rookie
THH , I put the blame for that loss squarely on the Wallabies. In particular, the forward huddle of forwards to Foley's left, and as well Foley, with his experience should have known better and kicked the ball out when told to. And to be clear... Foley was NOT moving or starting his run when the ref blew the whistle for the scrum. The Wallabies celebrated the penalty as if the game had been won and then showed a total lack of respect to the Ref's instructions to play. And agreed, the Wallabies were in still in front. They needed to dig deep and show some grit and determination to hold out the ABs. They didn't. It's not a popular position to take, so much easier to blame the ref, but the Wallabies forced the ref to take action.
Daffyd
Roar Rookie
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Good points Phil, RA do not have the pulling power compared to AFL and League. Foxtel now rarely mention Rugby, and Stan is still in its infancy period.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I can't comment on other countries, but it all comes down to the influence of Newscorp...and over the last 15 years RA have played this really poorly. Since moving Rugby from Foxtel, there is zero incentive for any of the Newscorp owned news outlets to print anything about Rugby - but on the flipside they want everyones focus to be on NRL and AFL so they can get more subscribers to Foxtel. RA have thrown their lot in with the Nine Entertainment Co...is this the best move???
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That bumper sticker will always remain relevant SD.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
A great post SD, and is appreciated for sure. You have touched on key areas also the article is for everyone, even the experts on here do not have the knowledge about the media side of things, as there are many layers involved. Again thank you for your feedback and I look forward to reading more of your posts. :thumbup: