Snarky BR media - should they be muzzled?

A few weeks ago there was a story out of Fayetteville about a female reporter being fired because she wore a non-hogs cap.Not only did the coach not want to take anymore questions from reporter in gator's hat, the station considered that remark serious and decided to part ways with her. They claim that the station promotes hog sports and there was no place for anything contrary.

On the other hand, we hear about reporters arguing with LSU Coach about the program he manages. No one in BR media market claims any pressure from LSU SID to moderate their coverage. Media in BR had grudging respect for Saban who was always curt and kept them at arms length - aight, it's time to move on! Current bunch of reporters seem to take more access to the program for granted - Why won't Les let us talk to Lee? This from the days when OC and DC were not allowed to talk to the media.

Last night's show by Charles Hanagriff was a veritable bitchfest with the host's certitude about the future of the program. In various segments there were discussions about the impact of negativity on recruiting, booing in the stands, and respect for players and coaches. That cat may have already been let out of the bag. I hope we do not have see the effects of pervasive negativity, should the tigers have a sluggish stretch - Hope they have a clean, crisp game. More importantly, media should monitor its tone before it bites the hand that feeds it.

We are barely a newspaper and 1-and-half radio station market. We look at NOLA and Shreveport writers for alternate views. Until we develop into a mature market, media personalities should temper their narcissism towards their words/voice. They need rival voices to challenge their views - not just sycophants who concur and echo their sentiments.

Media should not only remember their plight of the 90s, when they were unable to find enough interest to fill airtime, they should also remember hosannas in praise of Saints and their fan base. In large markets where people have more to do than just follow their local football team, you may not find the passion of tiger fans. With that passion comes a responsibility to nourish it.

No one in BR market is behaving like the hog sports market. Does that represent a remarkable restraint on part of LSU and the independence of media? Or does it represent unhinged, flow with the wind attitude of the prevailing mood?