6 replies to this topic

[AllexxisF1]

With the F1 circus on break and my innability to function as a human bieng begins to set in, I was pondering an interesting question last night. What does it take to get "the" story in an enviroment that's more Area 51 'ish than the open F1 pits of yore?. Im hoping Bira will wiegh in, I would like to know what does Bira's average day look like on virtual paper. Does Bira and the many other reporters in Grand Prix Racing work the phones to there ears hurt or pounce around shrubbery to shrubbery along paddock row overhearing conversations. It's more than likely to have some wonderfull food and a meeting with the man upstairs. Simple straight foward and slaves to thier "authorized release" of information.

Bira do you get wierd calls in the middle of thunderstorm rain filled night?, with some mechanic dying to spill his beans about ( fill in hypothetical story that won't inffuriate the masses on this BB). ?. My hope is our beloved Bira runs around in a tan trench coat. small pad and pencil ( Humphrey Boggart without the stupid voice) meeting in alley ways and giving us some real scoops.

My worry is maybe Journalism in F1 is just like Grand Prix racing is today...boring, uneventfull and given on a silver plater.

[bira]

Hrmmm.... not sure I am actually fully qualified to answer that as I am not a reporter. The vast majority of my work is not to work on stories. Folks like like David Cameron, Will Gray, Pablo Elizalde and Tim Collings (to name a few of our writing staff) deal with this issue much more frequently than I do. And, to some extent, I think you should read David's column "Season in the Sun" to get some sort of a feel of what it's like to work in the paddock.


Having said that, I must admit Formula One journalism is to me almost an oxymoron. Everything I know and absorbed in my years as a journalist is almost non-existent in Formula One. I am often having a hard time to come to terms with it, and I am often failing in my own job because of this very disrepancy. And I am adopting to some of these changes and differences, and I am learning to accept that F1 journalism runs under a completely different set of rules than any other beat.

That's not saying much and that isn't answering your question, I know, but I am not sure I can - or want - to break it down to anything more specific. Maybe later, we'll see how this thread evolves.

[AllexxisF1]

Thank you Bira, you are always a true source of information.

[Moomacher]

Considering that F1 journos seem to be very friendly with all of the drivers and team bosses so they don't miss out on stories, it makes me wonder. How can a journalist be objective and write the truth in this kind of environment? I mean if they bag on a driver or team, it is very likely that the team won't be as forthcoming about stories the next time, which would interfere with the ability of the journo to do his/her job.

It seems to me that f1 journalism is very different from other kinds, although we should all remember that its just a sport and not something really important....(yeah right.... )

[jonpollak]

Originally posted by bira
Hrmmm....


Having said that, I must admit Formula One journalism is to me almost an oxymoron.

....... we'll see how this thread evolves.

Light touch paper and retire...

You make me smile you do

AllexxisF1
Love that signature...
Let's eat!
Jp

[janusa]

Originally posted by Moomacher
Considering that F1 journos seem to be very friendly with all of the drivers and team bosses so they don't miss out on stories, it makes me wonder. How can a journalist be objective and write the truth in this kind of environment? I mean if they bag on a driver or team, it is very likely that the team won't be as forthcoming about stories the next time, which would interfere with the ability of the journo to do his/her job.

It seems to me that f1 journalism is very different from other kinds, although we should all remember that its just a sport and not something really important....(yeah right.... )

You hit the nail right on the head. I don't work on Formula 1 but I can give you general journalism input. Bira can get into more detail if she chooses. I have been majoring in Journalism for about two years.

The world of journalism is a love hate relationship. One side the Formula 1 world needs the press to report the races and keep the fans intersted on the teams side. On the other side the journalist who wants exclusive interviews or stories.

All journalist have their sources. Some do not ask to be mentioned in a story. In my opinion most media leaks are cleared with the teams. Maybe cleared is to strong a word but allowed for PR use. It is Atlas's job to keep the fans in the sport between races. How do you think they do this? They have media press passes and get "hot leads" from the teams. Formula 1 would not surive with out the media's help. Inside information or rumors from teams keep Ferrari or McLaren and their sponsors in the news. All teams want exposure the more exposure they get the more money they make. The press and Formula 1 is a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch my back" business. At least that's how I believe it works. Thats my two cents.

JanUsa

[Scoop]

haiving followed a few website myself, more often than not, it seems some journalists sit in their arm chair, snooze, wake up and put their dream down on the website as news.

Of late some websites have started this "planting" a breaking news experiment to follow who is ripping-off their site.