The tough sport of journalism

From as far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a sports journalist. As a young man, I saw the sports media as a natural outlet for someone who played and understood sports at a reasonably high level, had a reasonable voice and command of the language, and was also a trained physical education teacher.

When my first opportunity came to be in media, way back in 1993 at KLAS in Mandeville, I was as excited as a child at Christmas. I have had a good run. While at CVM TV, I won an award in 2001 for the best sports feature in television in the region that year, for a piece I did on regional cricket. A decade later, I was recognised as Sports Journalist of the year, the first time in recent memory that this award was given to someone in electronic, as opposed to print, media.

I have a successful radio call-in programme on KLAS, which surveys have shown is the most widely listened-to sports programme around. I have my own Gleaner column, which I understand is fairly widely followed.

In short, I can't complain about the professional side.

What I wasn't bargaining for was the price I have had to pay for all this. When, as a younger man, I was admiring and hero-worshipping people like Lance Whittaker and Ian Andrews and Wilmot Perkins, and wanted to be just like them, I only saw the glitter and the glamour. I have had a rude awakening.

I have been bitterly disappointed at some of the reactions from some members of the media fraternity. When I was just a struggling reporter, I had no enemies. I was on good terms with everyone, and Orville Higgins was a 'good yute'.

Nowadays, as my profile and ratings have improved, in certain quarters I am public enemy number one! When I started hosting my call-in programme, and it appeared it would take off, one very prominent and long-standing sports journalist told me (on air!) that he would make it a point of duty to challenge me on virtually every position I took. This was a man who I had looked up to for years! I was shocked, but welcomed the challenge.

After a few weeks, he realised that his attempts at discrediting me on air were backfiring, and he stopped.

Others have been just as openly antagonistic. One other very well-known broadcaster was reprimanded by his bosses for unwarranted attacks he made against me that he couldn't substantiate! This same man was going around telling people that the only reason why so many people were calling my show was because I was paying them!

Another well-known sports broadcaster, more known for football than other sports, was openly going around and bad-mouthing me with people he didn't know I knew too!

Openly antagonistic

I have had to deal with other sports journalists who have been openly antagonistic. The level of animosity is palpable. I remember once being so moved by all the darts that were coming that I spoke to my mother about actually quitting the profession. She told me that people never stone green mangoes and that I should use the detractors as motivation. I have never been daunted since receiving that brilliant bit of advice, which doesn't mean the naysayers have stopped.

As recent as Wednesday, on my radio programme, another very well-known sports broadcaster called my show and was accusing me of something he thought I said. He was accusing me of being insensitive on a matter related to a Reggae Boy, based on what he said was told to him.

I asked why he was believing others without at least giving me the chance to say my piece. He told me he trusted his sources far more than he trusted me. This from someone who was once a good friend! I had to play back the tape of what I said to prove that this person (and his supposed sources) were completely wrong in their unwarranted attacks on me.

Some criticism has made me realise that professional jealousy is a part of every occupation, but I didn't expect to be experiencing it this badly. This is not to say I don't have good friends in the industry. I do, but I have now realised that this business is not a bed of roses.

Orville Higgins is a sportscaster and talk-show host. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.