Valley News Live (VNL), a local news station, is experiencing a significant decline in its sports coverage. The station’s general manager, Ike Walker, reportedly has a well-documented dislike for sports, which may play a role in the current situation. Following the departure of prominent sports figures, including former sports director Devin Fry and reporter Eric Moon, VNL has no dedicated sports staff. The only recent sports news aired involved a brief, 35-second segment read by news anchor Justin Betti during a newscast predominantly focused on crime and weather.
Although there were concerns about the sports department’s complete disbandment, it’s been confirmed that VNL’s parent company, Gray Media, is looking to fill a hybrid sports reporter/anchor position. However, the role appears to lack full-time commitment, requiring weekend sportscast anchoring while combining sports reporting with general news.
In comparison, rival stations such as KVRR-TV and WDAY-TV maintain a stronger sports presence, with KVRR boasting two full-time sports reporters and WDAY having four dedicated staff for sports coverage. This stark difference highlights a decline from VNL’s significant sports tradition, which once included five sports staff members and renowned personalities such as Jim Adelson and Ed Schultz.
The trend towards diminishing sports segments is not unique to VNL; national media has also shifted focus, prioritizing news content that garners higher viewership, particularly in an era where television consumption is changing with the rise of streaming services. Even stations with existing sports teams have decreased the time devoted to sports highlights in their broadcasts.
Adding to this evolving landscape, the NDSU football program is garnering attention with its successful recruitment and development of talent, evidenced by multiple NFL draft picks from their ranks. Expectations are high as the program continues to foster athletes, contributing to the dip in sports coverage at VNL.
Overall, while VNL navigates a transition in sports reporting, the broader shift in media consumption presents an opportunity for local sports coverage to innovate and adapt. The evolving demands of viewers could spark new strategies for local news stations to engage audiences in different ways.