Waggle Room Was at the Masters More Than the BB-Freakin'-C
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 12:02 PM EDT
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PrintI went to the Masters. There's video proof of it. There's picture proof of it. It was one day, but I was there. Surely, the BBC was there to cover it, too. A worldwide leader in journalism, who has only been massively had on one particular occasion (::snickers::), would obviously be all over a tournament that saw Tiger Woods' return, and great play from home turf chums like Lee Westwood. Right? No?!
Apparently, the full BBC team did not get credentials to attend or broadcast live from the tournament on their TV side. But that didn't stop James Pearce. He shacked up at an Augusta, GA, hotel to watch the golf action. Then when it was time to report live from Augusta, he did just that - at a course a full mile away from where the tournament was actually being played.
At no point did Pearce actually disclose that he wasn't at the Masters. But he also never said that he really was. Here's a screen grab of Pearce on the BBC.
I mean, it does say "Live - Augusta," not "Live - Augusta National." So, they got us on a technicality there. Why the ruse about reporting from the course, though? Get a green screen like The Daily Show, put a side view of Augusta's first fairway behind it, wear no pants, and report just like you were along TV Row.
Or maybe broadcast from where John Daly was selling merchandise. Or a gas station.
Pearce was also tweeting from Augusta (wink, wink).
He took a lot of pains to never mention Augusta National or the Masters specifically. He referred to Augusta National as "Grand National." Good one. It was a gorgeous day at Augusta National, but James didn't say that, did he? Pearce was on his way to the "course." Which one? I don't know.
BBC correspondent sent to cover Tiger Woods' return to golf in Masters reported from wrong course [NY Daily News]
BBC reporter faked Masters coverage from different golf course [Out of Bounds]
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That IS a little funny. But to answer your question on “why the ruse”…very simple…you don’t want your audience thinking you’re not important enough to get credentials into the event.
Face it – the only things that separated this guy from quite a few “journalists” who DO have credentials to sit in the press tent and down lots of free food and drinks are (1) the number of available TV’s in the room, the really big scoreboard in front, (3) the mountains of copies posted on the walls, and (4) the free food…oh…and that trans continental flight and drive to get to Augusta. He may not have been inside the gates, but he was watching the same broadcast a number of other people were watching.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Yep
I totally agree with Court… and why didn’t BBC get credentials? I have a feeling I know, and for that reason the only thing I object to in this story is that Mr. Pearce’s ruse was uncovered.
It should be uncovered. As far as I’m concerned, if someone is dishonest in their reporting/motivations/affiliations, but are supposed to be a guardian of truth or a storyteller, then that person loses all credibility. Just be up front, and it would’ve been no big deal.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
How was he being dishonest ? He was giving Masters scores and updates – he never said he was at Augusta National – he never said he was on site.
I agree with you that telling the audience that he was giving his report from another course wouldn’t have hurt anything – but we’re not BBC executives who didn’t receive credentials.
He didn’t “purport to be reporting from town”, he WAS reporting from town.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
How is that not being dishonest? The implication of saying that you’re “reporting from Augusta” is that you’re reporting from Augusta National. At that point, it’s ok to just do it from a studio in London.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
He WAS in Augusta !!!!!!!!! What difference does it make that he wasn’t inside the gates ? Did Phil not win on his reports ? Did the TV in his hotel room or sports bar show a different tournament ? Would his reports have been less accurate if he had been in studio in London ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
No, no. Being in Augusta and being at the Masters are two completely different things. I’m not saying someone who wasn’t there can’t report on it. Hardly. But to coyly be “in Augusta” and not explicitly say “we’re not at the Masters” is deceptive.
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by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
You won’t get any argument on this level – between you and me – that saying “we’re not inside the gates” would have hurt the broadcast. It wouldn’t have added anything, either.
He was in Augusta – he wasn’t making anything up in his reports – he was just doing the job he was sent to do – give Masters updates. He wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last reporter to do something like that. I see news reports every night from someone standing in front of police headquarters talking about a crime that happend miles away. It doesn’t change the facts of the story.
The guy may have been on his way expecting to get credentialed when he got there. That little 4 paragraph blurb didn’t bother to get any answers from Pearce.
Now THAT’S what I call irresponsbile.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
True, but if he’s just watching it on TV, then don’t purport to be reporting from town. Or at least make it obvious that you’re not in the gates. That’s ok with me. I believe a tournament can be covered (at least somewhat) from afar, but don’t lie to your audience.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
The BBC does have the contract for live international coverage of The Masters
thru’ 2010, (it was renewed in 2007 for 3 yrs) but if the story is true, it would appear that they didn’t provide this particular reporter with the right paperwork. I’ve never heard of James Pearce and he certainly wasn’t commentating on The Masters on the BBC coverage I watched.
As far as “the ruse” goes, I’m not sure I’m bothered either way.
That was your first mistake Wendy,
taking TX as a perfect gentleman…lol j/k …and I have to go along with Court and the rest….It goes back to PLAIN SPEAK OR SPIN SPEAK….Pearce never did say Augusta National Club….it was left to the mind of the listener….He didn’t deceive anyone…they did it to themselves….A ruse? I wouldn’t even go so far as to call it that….He probably did a better job of reporting it than a lot/most of those that were on the grounds….oh, not the grounds really, but in the tent….Those actually walking with the players were “on the grounds” and we know how little of that there is these days….It used to be, that if you got 6 different papers, you got 6 different takes on the event….today, if you read one, ya read them all….most “reporters” are too lazy to go out and get the story….jist sayin…IMHO….STUB
Easy - what's the story?
There’s something odd about this in that we had NO commentary from James Pearce on The Masters coverage on BBC – it’s not like I didn’t watch it wall-to-wall.
My little nephew was visiting, so I was watching
Walt-to-Walt (Disney channel).
Just found him on BBC sports website...he blogs on all sports.
Nothing to do with Peter Alliss, Ken Brown and Wayne Grady, who commentate for the BBC at the masters every year.
"As far as "the ruse" goes, I’m not sure I’m bothered either way."
I was only referring to that, Wendy.
He wasn't referring to Augusta....
as the Grand National. That is the massive horse racing event that was held on the Saturday of the Masters in England. He was just asking a guy if he was there. The guy was very careful not to deceive the viewers. This stuff happens much more than we think. For years and years espn commentators have been “implying” that they are at European soccer games when they are, in fact, at a studio in Secaucus, NJ. They actually were a little more sneaky than this guy, they would say things like “it is a beautiful night here in Madrid.” I’m not sure how they got over that relative lack of integrity. The soccer games were just once example, but it happens at sporting events all the time. The Golf Channel sets up shop at the same course (Augusta Country Club) and though they don’t try to make you think they are at the National they do feel that being that “close” to the action is a good thing.
And as others have stated, the BBC had many credentialed people on site, not sure why this guy didn’t make the cut.
That’s what is the oddest thing to me. Ken Brown was there inside the gates. Why not this dude?
And, that whole ESPN soccer (and they do this for foreign basketball too) broadcasting from a studio is sad.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Dishonest reporting from you also RB?
You appeared to be suggesting that the BBC had NO coverage, when in fact only James Pearce didn’t get entry. “Not to say this explicitly is deceptive”. Pot Kettle Black. Unless you were genuinely taken in by the report?
BBC Web and BBC TV are different ops, but fair criticism.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
bbc web?
this guy was reporting on tv, no? Come on Ryan, at least be honest and admit you thought at first nobody from the BBC was on site. Nobody will hold it against you.
BBC Web is their writers (Ken Brown). BBC TV is Pearce. Different operations.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Ken brown is a commentator along with Wayne Grady under Peter Alliss at Augusta for BBC TV.
The former Ryder cupper was/is an excellent putter but a slow player who contended in a few Opens and won in America also. He does a “Ken on the course” showing viewers how tricky the greens at Augusta can be. His main job for the BBC is with Alliss and Grady on all BBC telecasts of golf. Pearce writes on the website and does blogging topics.
I always thought BBC stood for
Babbling Bloke Chatter, no?
(J/K, Easing/Wendy)
We just call it "Auntie";o)
It wasn’t defending BBC, just the story didn’t ring true as the whole picture – which it obviously wasn’t. There are pros & cons to having an international following, RB, and either you were deliberately misleading us or you had got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
Do you know this?
Who pays Iain Carter? He writes for the website, does BBC1 radio and may make an appearance or two on TV. Ken Brown was there for television. Arey you now implying that BBC TV wasn’t there when they broadcast the entire event? BBC was representing across the board on the grounds at Augusta.
Ken is BBC TV - not Pearce
Come on Ryan! I have no problem with you poking fun at the BBC, but you’ve got this all wrong.
Lots of things are above
Wendy. Be more specific.
yes it was for Ryan
I intended that to come under his last comment. Sorry for the confusion Easingwold.
Confusion say, he who comments on golf bog
often hits wrong key.
Or what just happened to me again above.
I hit reply (to kvncane) but the computer made it a new entry.
Good idea, Easing. And to add insult to injury, I've been drinking
tequila mockingbirds.
Mix a shot of tequila with a shot of wry.
(If you still don’t get it, note the cap P in Peckish below.)
Yeesh. Think of Gregory Peck's
most famous role.
Wouldn't be the first time I've driven people
to drink. Trouble is, I then have to drive them back home.
Whoa....
did you add this piece later? I missed this the first time:
“Apparently, the BBC did not get credentials to attend or broadcast live from the tournament on their TV side. (Ken Brown was there for their Web/writing team.)”
I think this would have been a perfect time to quite while you were behind. A simple mistake lead to the original post. EVERYONE has told you that the BBC was there in rather large numbers and you are still trying to dig out of it?? Honestly did you know who Ken Brown was before today?
that was obviously supposed to be "quit" not quite
i’m having an awful day at the keyboard
1. I edited the story to clarify a point that Wendy made, which I remarked about in response to her comment. If you’ve ever read any news site, this actually happens quite often.
2. Did I say anywhere that I was trying to “dig out” of anything? No. But you’re putting words in my mouth.
3. That’s pretty sad of you to question if I know who Ken Brown is, especially since I follow him on Twitter. At least think ahead here.
4. So far you’re telling me Brown, Carter, Alliss (who does work for a LOT of outlets, not just BBC), and Grady. 4 is a lot.
5. We can have an honest conversation, but don’t come in here and try to insult me. I don’t insult you.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
But it's still wrong!!!!
Just because Ken Brown is on Twitter (I also follow him) does NOT mean he “was there for their Web/writing team” He was there for BBC TV and just happens to Twitter all of his own accord. Give it up RB, or I’m telling your Dad.
And Wendy is indeed a tattletale. I can
vouch for that. But a likable tattletale.
He was there for their Web team because he’s doing Web work for them. But anyhow, I edited the line to clarify. We good?
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh what a tangled Web we weave ...
(Referring to Pearce)
I can appreciate razzing if I don’t have something 100% right, which it looks like I missed here on the “whole team” aspect. I’m still going to maintain that what Pearce did (and, by extension, BBC) was journalistic dishonesty.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
If I didn’t have CG, sometimes I’d never have someone to argue with :)
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd bet many of us, including myself, are
big Courtgolf fans. I do contend, however, that if he opted to, he could author a post, then rip it to shreds via his own comments. He’s incredibly knowledgeable/incredibly argumentative. He must be ambidextrous. There’s no other explanation.
Ryan gets plenty of plaudits from me
I’m allowed to bite his ankles occasionally. (I’m also quite fond of his Dad).
CG is obviously more knowledgeable about golf than me, and equally argumentative (thank goodness).
We're all glad you frequent this site, Wendy.
Sarah Palin was busy.
Supper's on you then
(Un)interesting fact. The IOW still has red squirrels as opposed to the overpaid, oversexed, over here, grey squirrels. Oh Gawd, someone is bound to take offence. Look – it means USA 100 – UK 1 – OK?
You absolutely nailed it, Wendy. Definitely
uninteresting.
Lol..
We are staying in Ventnor. Got to book the ferry soon and suss out whats to do. Bringing the clubs of course.
fair anough Ryan
There were more than four people there presenting etc, but I will let it all rest. Sorry for any insult, I’ll show myself to the door!!
I gotta defend myself, too :) No insult taken.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Apr 26, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy smokes !!
I left the office for 90 minutes and this thread put up 73 new posts !!!!!!!!!
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
And with you away, we get no backtalk. (J/K)
Truth be told, I’d be a reader of a blog called “Full Court Press.”
I thought you people had at last gotten
civilized and now served it cold?….STUB
I saw Mr Pearce's reports on the BBC World News channel...
…and at the time thought nothing of them. Learning this and with my slender background in journalism (a year at Fitchburg State College as a communications major, including preparing the news on the campus radio station) I on the one hand can’t say that I’m shocked that this clever ruse was perpetrated, but on the other hand am aghast that it was the BBC of all people who did this. I don’t watch the domestic 18 hour “news channels” anymore (CNN domestic, MSNBC, and don’t get me started on the Fox Tabloid Channel), prefering instead BBC World News and CNN International (available on Verizon Fios) for my knowledge of the wider world. I should certainly accept that no one is perfect, but the BBC? Shaking head in sad disappointment.
Kevin
The BBC world service is but a small part of the BBC.
BBC, funded by the British taxpayer, finds it difficult to compete for sport with the cable channels. But some of the sport, the Masters and the British Open, thankfully are still with the BBC and no ads. Peter Alliss, along with Ken Brown, Sam Torrance, and Wayne Grady are the main commentators for the events. Ian Carter is a recent addition. Pearce who does a sports blog, also reported for the World service, which is not part of the BBC sports coverage of the event that week. The world service BBC provide are along the lines of CNN and one should not really link it with Masters coverage.
Handi - it gets worse
BBC cover The Masters, so no ads., but when we take US coverage of all the other tournaments played in US, we still don’t get to see the ads. Whilst they are showing, we get discussion on the play so far, etc, etc. Bliss!
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