The Philadelphia Phillies expect the undivided attention of every reporter in the room during media availability for players and coaches this year — even if it means preventing those reporters from fulfilling their job requirements.
Earlier this week, the Phillies put out a memo to reporters reminding them that it is “inappropriate” to use their cell phones while the manager and players are speaking. The original email said there should be no texting, but a follow-up clarified that it was supposed to pertain to tweeting.
Aaandddd…. this was a follow-up email from Phillies PR… pic.twitter.com/xqgWTlpXBk
— Alex Silverman (@AlexSilverman) March 26, 2019
As many pointed out, part of a reporter’s job in 2019 is to get information out to the masses as quickly as possible. That often involves tweeting key snippets from press conferences as they happen, and the Phillies trying to put a stop to that seems counterproductive if not absurd.
Do they understand that our bosses tell us TO tweet during press conferences! That is pretty much the point. @abc27News
— Dennis Owens (@Owens_abc27) March 27, 2019
It’s one thing for a reporter’s phone to ring during a press conference, but what’s the difference between taking notes and sending tweets? And what about taking notes on your phone? The policy seems ridiculous, and it’s one the Phillies are going to have a difficult time enforcing.
