Does Brent Axe Have a point?

[Consigliere]

I’ve talked to Brent fairly regularly over the last few years. Told him I was not a fan of his radio program. Thought he pandered unnecessarily to a handful of constantly negative callers and that hurt the objectivity of the discussions just as much as being overly positive would. Certainly possible that approach could negatively affect ratings and advertising revenue.
Also said that he seemed more comfortable in the current format with some exceptional pods and his responsiveness on the text line. Brent agreed with my assessment . I don’t subscribe for insider information or breaking news, but for less than $1 a week I am happy to support local journalism and appreciate the content.

 

[JeffCuse]

I’ve talked to Brent fairly regularly over the last few years. Told him I was not a fan of his radio program. Thought he pandered unnecessarily to a handful of constantly negative callers and that hurt the objectivity of the discussions just as much as being overly positive would. Certainly possible that approach could negatively affect ratings and advertising revenue.

I get that perspective, Mark. I think that growing up with Boston radio and listening to NYC and Philly radio has changed my perspective some. I see CONSTANT aggressive contrarianism on these stations, the idea being, get people so riled up they refuse to turn off the radio because they want to see what the person has the gall to say next.

I never got that from Brent. Brent, IMO, at his worst, says the stuff that the most critical fan may be thinking. And that's a worst possible shine. IMO, he's the pulse of the average fan. There are fans who will always skew positive. There are fans who will always skew negative. That guy in the middle...the sports political independent...thats where I believe a guy like Brent lives. He reads the room, he doesnt dictate it. And right now I think the room is pretty clearly in the camp of being deeply concerned and deeply critical.

 

[Fan Always]

Brent tells things the way they are and I commend him for that. I can remember back when I would read his posts on the syracuse.com sports forums, he never make a negative comment. At the time, it was annoying.

 

[JeffCuse]

Brent tells things the way they are and I commend him for that. I can remember back when I would read his posts on the syracuse.com sports forums, he never make a negative comment. At the time, it was annoying.

I miss those forums. You got some wild stuff on there lol

 

[Blanko97]

If you're really into the profession then you try to work the chain... Start as in a beginner role (probably at a smaller location in radio or TV) and work you way up.

Some of the SU students working their way onto ACCNX broadcasts are working on their portfolio for starting positions.

In addition to starting in such a position, it's also possible to start a side YouTube channel focused on you preferences which could help lead to your preferred destination.

I’m not saying it isn’t possible to move up, I’m just saying the grind is difficult when you’re under a mountain of student debt and looking at making 35k for a meaningful amount of years.

 

[Cuseregular]

I get that perspective, Mark. I think that growing up with Boston radio and listening to NYC and Philly radio has changed my perspective some. I see CONSTANT aggressive contrarianism on these stations, the idea being, get people so riled up they refuse to turn off the radio because they want to see what the person has the gall to say next.

I never got that from Brent. Brent, IMO, at his worst, says the stuff that the most critical fan may be thinking. And that's a worst possible shine. IMO, he's the pulse of the average fan. There are fans who will always skew positive. There are fans who will always skew negative. That guy in the middle...the sports political independent...thats where I believe a guy like Brent lives. He reads the room, he doesnt dictate it. And right now I think the room is pretty clearly in the camp of being deeply concerned and deeply critical.

well said, kind of like the P situation way back when. Most felt it was time, perhaps we had delusions of grandeur as to what to expect then though if I'm being honest. Regardless Axe was with many/most who thought we could do better. Over the long haul that still remains to be seen

 

[rrlbees]

I’ve talked to Brent fairly regularly over the last few years. Told him I was not a fan of his radio program. Thought he pandered unnecessarily to a handful of constantly negative callers and that hurt the objectivity of the discussions just as much as being overly positive would. Certainly possible that approach could negatively affect ratings and advertising revenue.
Also said that he seemed more comfortable in the current format with some exceptional pods and his responsiveness on the text line. Brent agreed with my assessment . I don’t subscribe for insider information or breaking news, but for less than $1 a week I am happy to support local journalism and appreciate the content.

very well said my friend. i got to the point where i would never listen to his radio program. now, with his podcasts and text chain, he's kind of grown on me.

 

[Scooch]

very well said my friend. i got to the point where i would never listen to his radio program. now, with his podcasts and text chain, he's kind of grown on me.

Perhaps I have a kinder opinion of him because I never listened to his radio show. That wasn't for any particular reason, it just never dawned on me to stream it, being out of market. And I've never subscribed to Syracuse.com, so I haven't read most of his pieces there as well.

His podcast and text subscription service are quite good, IMHO. That's why I push back against the over-the-top critiques. Media personalities adapt to the platform they're on, so it might behoove some folks here to listen to his pod and revisit their opinion. Some folks here recommended Brian Higgins' pod -- and I like him a lot -- but I found his pod to be dull as dishwater. Platform matters.

JeffCuse post upthread was on point. As another person who's been immersed in Boston sports media since the 80s, Syracuse is child's play compared to that vitriol and relentless negativity.

 

[bnoro]

Essentially, longtime lurker, proud supporter as well as alum of this university. The only vendetta that is apparent is BA, And he has a vendetta against truth and goodness. There is a way to operate, you can always do this with goodness, class and integrity, right? I feel very sorry for him honestly because he has nothing else to fall back on, He is not a good human and it is reflective on his job. God help us all, what is in your heart will come out of your mouth, good, bad and everywhere in between for all of us. I pray that bend is upwards for myself and others. Personal choice though. I honestly get in trouble for speaking after all it is a message board for Syracuse supporters right? I am definitely not his buddy, nor interested and essentially anything he states because of his personal character but that's just my opinion. So the other gentleman I thought he was pretty objective. Goodness and integrity have to stand for something in today's society right? And for the most part the coaches up on that hill truly attempt to do that. I was very proud of Reds press conference yesterday. He seems to be at peace.. The team wilted with pressure, whether that had anything to do with the coach, certainly potentially, lots of carry over certainly from the past five years in my opinion. Potential need for a change, sad but potentially evident. I know this, What a good kind man and that is what will bear fruit in real life. I very much believe Red knows that. Basketball coaching acumen big little or small and everywhere in between with lots of growing needed in every area of life, all of us right? BA Sadly and opportunistically preys upon the misfortune and perceived weaknesses of others instead of looking at the big picture. And for that, it is hard for me to ignore.

Did you forget to switch accounts here and out a burner account you created?

 

[JeffCuse]

JeffCuse post upthread was on point. As another person who's been immersed in Boston sports media since the 80s, Syracuse is child's play compared to that vitriol and relentless negativity.

I'd also say, in Boston, guys like Felger specifically say incendiary things TO P-SS PEOPLE OFF. He wants people angry and calling and arguing. A guy like Axe doesn't have that anywhere on his radar. He just doesn't filter his commentary with the University provided orange microphone. And because that is so unique in the market, people view it as "negative" when it's really just unfiltered reality.

 

[Scooch]

I'd also say, in Boston, guys like Felger specifically say incendiary things TO P-SS PEOPLE OFF. He wants people angry and calling and arguing. A guy like Axe doesn't have that anywhere on his radar. He just doesn't filter his commentary with the University provided orange microphone. And because that is so unique in the market, people view it as "negative" when it's really just unfiltered reality.

Agreed. Hell, Dan Shaughnessy built his entire career on being a print troll. The guy used to trash Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, two of the 5 most beloved athletes in Boston sports history. Actually, they might be 2 of the 5 most beloved people in Boston history, alongside Paul Revere and JFK.

It's why I can only laugh when people here talk about Syracuse fandom and media being "negative". Spend some time in Boston and you'll realize how outlandish that is. I grew up with the biggest sports talk show in town (The Sports Huddle) relentlessly trashing Wade Boggs, Jim Rice and Roger Clemens. You know, just 3 hall of famers.

I don't even stream Boston sports radio because of how absurdly over-the-top negative it is.

Meanwhile, Axe got fired from his radio gig because, as best I can tell, he kept criticizing Boeheim when we were on our 5th straight regular season of irrelevance. I'm clutching my pearls just thinking about it.

 

[JRHEETER]

I gotta be honest, anyone who has a problem with what Brent is currently saying, has the most orange colored glasses on.

Just because you speak a narrative that everything is fine on the internet, does not mean that there are some MAJOR issues.

This athletic department is not in the worst shape it has been and a lot and I mean a lot of that is due to John Wildhack and the job he has done here.

But this Athletic department has some short comings. Fundraising is a huge issue. The overall guest experience is an issue. I get it, weve been doing the same things for 50 years at games, but that is the issue.

Syracuse University plays everything a bit safe and that has left us in the dust.

Brent honestly, recently, he's really just been reporting the facts that are there.

Duke is in a different league than us.

 

[bnoro]

I gotta be honest, anyone who has a problem with what Brent is currently saying, has the most orange colored glasses on.

Just because you speak a narrative that everything is fine on the internet, does not mean that there are some MAJOR issues.

This athletic department is not in the worst shape it has been and a lot and I mean a lot of that is due to John Wildhack and the job he has done here.

But this Athletic department has some short comings. Fundraising is a huge issue. The overall guest experience is an issue. I get it, weve been doing the same things for 50 years at games, but that is the issue.

Syracuse University plays everything a bit safe and that has left us in the dust.

Brent honestly, recently, he's really just been reporting the facts that are there.

Duke is in a different league than us.

The athletic department not recruiting directly from one of the best sports management programs in the country is malpractice. They should have 8-10 kids routinely interning in Sales, Marketing, and Fundraising with the goal of moving them full-time.

Specifically training juniors and seniors to be ready to step into positions makes too much sense. And you get the institutional knowledge of working there so you can hit the ground running once you graduate. At worst 50% of kids would stick around if they had a full time job guaranteed to them after graduation.

 

[richmondcuse03]

The athletic department not recruiting directly from one of the best sports management programs in the country is malpractice. They should have 8-10 kids routinely interning in Sales, Marketing, and Fundraising with the goal of moving them full-time.

Specifically training juniors and seniors to be ready to step into positions makes too much sense. And you get the institutional knowledge of working there so you can hit the ground running once you graduate. At worst 50% of kids would stick around if they had a full time job guaranteed to them after graduation.

yup. say it again over and over. lots of things can be done better. i'm a big supporter of what JW has done but that's also because of what he inherited. There's a lot that can and should be done better, and I hope a new AD recruits better talent in some key areas.

 

[bnoro]

yup. say it again over and over. lots of things can be done better. i'm a big supporter of what JW has done but that's also because of what he inherited. There's a lot that can and should be done better, and I hope a new AD recruits better talent in some key areas.

On a macro level I think JW has done a good if not great job. When it comes to the little things and building a stronger foundation for the future it feels like we've come up short in some key areas on the administrative side.

 

[CNYGuy]

The athletic department not recruiting directly from one of the best sports management programs in the country is malpractice. They should have 8-10 kids routinely interning in Sales, Marketing, and Fundraising with the goal of moving them full-time.

Specifically training juniors and seniors to be ready to step into positions makes too much sense. And you get the institutional knowledge of working there so you can hit the ground running once you graduate. At worst 50% of kids would stick around if they had a full time job guaranteed to them after graduation.

Devils advocate: I think they do too much of this actually, which is why people complain we need more fresh ideas.

 

[bnoro]

Devils advocate: I think they do too much of this actually, which is why people complain we need more fresh ideas.

I don't believe they do, because as a former STH and someone that has at least one game per season on my TM account manager, I have NEVER received a call from a sales rep trying to bring me back in. I've NEVER received a call to donate to the athletic program.

Personally I don't want any of those things, but that's on the managers/directors to train the behavior they need. Leave no stone unturned.

 

[JRHEETER]

On a macro level I think JW has done a good if not great job. When it comes to the little things and building a stronger foundation for the future it feels like we've come up short in some key areas on the administrative side.

100%

 

[MSOrange]

I gotta be honest, anyone who has a problem with what Brent is currently saying, has the most orange colored glasses on.

Just because you speak a narrative that everything is fine on the internet, does not mean that there are some MAJOR issues.

This athletic department is not in the worst shape it has been and a lot and I mean a lot of that is due to John Wildhack and the job he has done here.

But this Athletic department has some short comings. Fundraising is a huge issue. The overall guest experience is an issue. I get it, weve been doing the same things for 50 years at games, but that is the issue.

Syracuse University plays everything a bit safe and that has left us in the dust.

Brent honestly, recently, he's really just been reporting the facts that are there.

Duke is in a different league than us.

As far as fundraising, I thought that was going pretty well with the Legends Society, but I guess it dropped off after Lally got finished? I'm inferring that Champion Cuse isn't going as well as we hoped from what you say?

 

[GHLF]

Did you forget to switch accounts here and out a burner account you created?

No need for a burner, And that is actually sort of funny. I know what happens here. Definitely largely toxic though for sure. I will continue to support no matter what, that is the university. Also lots of really good people here who actually support the university with a big picture mindset, where winning is obviously vital but how we win is the most important thing and that is bigger than numbers. Appreciate all even with the difference of opinion unless you are sort of pathologic I guess. Meaning just plain sick in your heart towards people who bounce a ball and coach the people who do it or throw it. I went here and I can say these things for sure. I actually have many times

 

[GHLF]

I don't believe they do, because as a former STH and someone that has at least one game per season on my TM account manager, I have NEVER received a call from a sales rep trying to bring me back in. I've NEVER received a call to donate to the athletic program.

Personally I don't want any of those things, but that's on the managers/directors to train the behavior they need. Leave no stone unturned.

Would you like some contact information for a really good individual? Certainly anybody else I can point you in the right direction as well

 

[bnoro]

No need for a burner, And that is actually sort of funny. I know what happens here. Definitely largely toxic though for sure. I will continue to support no matter what, that is the university. I also lots of really good people here who actually support the university with a big picture mindset, where winning is obviously vital but how we win is the most important thing and that is bigger than numbers. Appreciate all even with the difference of opinion unless you are sort of pathologic I guess. Meaning just plain sick in your heart towards people who bounce a ball and coach the people who do it or throw it. I went here and I can say these things for sure. I actually have many times

I feel like I need the rosetta stone to understand your prose

 

[MikeSU02]

Brent's podcast is really well done. And it's impressive because he is good solo (which is incredibly hard) and with guests.

I think he does a great job of incorporating the feelings of the fans vs his own perceptions and is pretty articulate.

I don't need 2-3 hours of content. Give me 30 mins or 45 mins of quality content and I'm happy.

 

[GHLF]

I feel like I need the rosetta stone to understand your prose

Syracuse has a tremendous creative writing program, at least they used to. Interested?

 

[JRHEETER]

As far as fundraising, I thought that was going pretty well with the Legends Society, but I guess it dropped off after Lally got finished? I'm inferring that Champion Cuse isn't going as well as we hoped from what you say?

Fundraising is going well for Syracuse to get the basic needs.

If we want to excel, its going to take way more than what we are doing.