Fairytales

Telling a story is one the most beautiful aptitudes one could be blessed with. It gives the narrator a chance to lay bare facts in a manner that allows the audience to make an informed conclusion. There’s absolutely no need to fabricate certitude, but just act as a medium to relay the message. After all great stories happen to those who can tell them. A perfect scenario in an ideal world. 

In reality, quite the contrary is our experience. We are faced with storytellers who report not on what is in front of them, but rather what they think should be – Tales are peddled based on their moods and what they had for breakfast on the day. It is peculiar to witness; terming it ‘cringeworthy’ would be putting it mildly. We are constantly being subjected to figments of their imagination. The respect for the most important stakeholder, the reader has been chucked out the window and what has become more important now is putting numbers on the board. The art of football journalism has been reduced to sales figures. 

This calls to question whether or not this could be the reason why publications are overly dependent on quoting their unreliable ‘reliable sources’ and whether or not these ‘sources’ even exist. Calling to mind the greater question of whether or not we have lost touch with one of the primary pillars of journalism; Truth and accuracy. Have our journos strayed so far that they just don’t care anymore?! I cannot think of any logical explanation. Perhaps this blatant disrespect for the supporters is fuelled by lack of accountability to the very same consumers of the content. A reporter can present an opinion and when asked for the information that propelled the statement, He'll instantaneously dismiss the probe by stating that it is based on feelings. How disrespectful is that?! I was under the impression that professionals are given titles and duties based on what they research and present, and not what tickles their fancy. 

In another instance, a journo could dispense a chronicle to the general reader detailing reasons behind a  delay in contract renewal negotiations between a coach and a team and when the very same coach dispels the proposed narrative and requests the author to provide a source, the journo - with a tail between the legs - will ask the coach to not play to the gallery; which is a bit ironic when you consider the fact that it is the same gallery that must accept the questionably written piece as gospel. Talk about getting a taste of your own medicine. What makes it so hard for one to follow a story and present the facts as they are? We sometimes understand that you could be chasing a deadline, but just know that you’re dealing with a different kind of a fan. A fan that has access to information and the people you interview. In most cases, the information you present will not be new, but rather find itself packed in a new way. You will naturally be challenged and when that happens don’t take it personally. It’s not possible for one to know everything every single time. 

All we ask for as fans is that you allow yourself the opportunity to be wrong. Honestly so. Yes, you get paid to do what you do, but it is the fans who love the sport and hence indirectly afford you the opportunity to find yourself employed. Don’t just think telling us that “Deon to Sundowns is a done deal” without providing substance is enough, or argue when you’re asked if you’ve done a background check on the university’s ownership rights in the Bidvest Wits and TTM[Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila] deal. Not being a denialist saves both parties time and money. I mean now it has been exposed that you didn’t know Bidvest began its partnership with Wits in 2002. The last thing we wanted was for you to be left hanging like a scarecrow.

Mutual respect goes a long way; Not only does it allow both parties to feed off each other, but it also creates a platform to impart valuable information. For every great storyteller there is a keen ear willing to listen. never take that for granted.