Of Course It Is!

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 24, 2006 5:03PM

Rick Morrissey, what are you thinking? In today's column, he takes issue with the fact that "In place of the 'o' in 'Chicago' in its front-page nameplate, the Sun-Times has taken to using a Bears helmet next to a palm tree."

He explains his view: "Pandering to the emotions of fans is not our job in journalism, although the other message the editors are sending with their banner-waving is that covering sports isn't journalism."

Um, sports are not journalism. They're entertainment. Sure, there are news stories that involve sports -- such as the steroids scandal he mentioned. But the actual teams themselves, the competition on the field, the passion of the fans is all about entertainment. And if a paper wants to take sides, then have at it! I mean, who in Chicago doesn't want to show their support for the Bears?

Wanting the Sun-Times to remove the Bears logo would be like wanting the Tribune to remove the American flag off its masthead. Isn't that also "root[ing] for the home team?" Isn't that literal "banner-waving" in regards to covering matters that really do fall under the category of journalism?

Image via newseum.org.