3. Bio
Colorado Rapids beat
reporter: Chris Bianchi (age
27)
Started covering Feb 2012
Boston University graduate
Meteorologist: full time
Beat reporter: part-time
Rapids website: Owned by
the MLS
4. Ethical Issues
Lack of ethical consideration regarding codes-
Tweeting
Firing of Chris on the MLS’s behalf (Rapids pushed for
his firing)
6. Arguments
Pro
Newsworthy
Balanced journalism
Fan frustration
Learning experience
Con
Team President Tim Hinchey
pushing for firing (betrayal)
No PR director: very
dysfunctional media
7. Decision
Chris Bianchi
Responded to tweet
Stay critical but
truthful/accurate
More specific about message
he was trying to send to
fans/management
Tim Hinchey
Hire a PR director
Understanding of current
team situation
Do not take criticism
personally
Great friendship=Loyalty
8. Aftermath
Chris Bianchi was fired 1 week later (Oct. 15, 2014)
Bianchi is a full time meteorologist and covered the
rapids part time
Public criticism from fans and Sports Illustrated soccer
journalist Grant Wahl backing Bianchi
Keith Olbermann (1:25)
9. Discussion
Just how accountable can you hold a journalist for
posting on social media?
How can we improve the use of social media when
covering sports?
Should social media be filtered?