By Sean McCaffery, July 21, 2023
There are many that will see this who predate me in the game, all, please read, this is not atypical. Feedback hoped for.
Another day in the life of Soccer Media in the States.
One team sends out details on a press conference to occur in 3 hours, still during the workday. Another has announced media time live as well as remote, too close in time to a game in the same market in their league to do both. Elsewhere a media member approved for a game later was not, informed by the one who sent the rejection that they were never approved?
First day of training for Messi, Tues. announced as being live on Apple during the MLS All-Star game and the days before, was not. There was no notice, in fact during the session, his team site still showed it as being on Apple TV, but when it sent you there, it was not to be found. I spoke to a person in the league, yes things happen it may have been delayed due to coach pushing practice, etc. I contacted a pair in the PR department, no replies, all numbers off their site in one department, some were not valid, in another's name, none answered, some voicemails, this at or about 9 am. A news flash to me after 40 years in the industry, but note that on your site, on Apple, he further assured me, when it does go live I will be here. I have not been able to find it as a saved item or when it was live. those who may have gone to Miami for this first training time found upon the starting time, that it was now closed to media.
A game happening in scant days here, their reps sent me a press release, funny, then never sent a credential form. I let them know a bit of who we are and asked to get back to me on being credentialed, further making it known if no, no news given out on this, they did reply, passing it on to the proper person. So you know we exist, that we are media, maybe share information but come to cover the game no, hmm.
A tourney starts play this weekend, some media have known for days that they are approved, the team informs it will happen tomorrow? These are no larger or longer tenured outlets, trying to make heads or tails of it is maddening.
Now I ask you why does the game here not get the coverages it wants, it has yet to earn it. If this were say rugby, I would simply be done with it.