By LYNN HOPPES
APSE President / Convention Chair
Associate Managing Editor/Sports, Orlando Sentinel

Story posted on Aug. 1, 2008

Lynn Hoppes

Let me tell you about Scott Carter.

He's the poster child of what's happening to this industry.

Loyal sportswriter. Dedicated worker. Team player.

And his position was eliminated.

Scott Carter was a free-lancer for me at the Orlando Sentinel in the late 1990s. I didn't hire him full time and I regret that decision. He moved on to the Tampa Tribune and had a wonderful career there for nine years.

Until "Black Wednesday," as they call it.

That was when he received the call.

"Prior to receiving a call from Tampa Tribune managing editor Duke Maas on the afternoon of July 2 – telling me the Tribune was eliminating my position as Florida State beat writer – I never once gave serious consideration to losing my job as the Tribune talked of laying off 10 reporters in the newsroom," he said. "Not because of arrogance or some false reality I had created for myself, but instead the belief that if a major daily newspaper such as the Tribune starts cutting beat writers who cover major pro/college teams very relevant and popular with its readership, then the newspaper industry must be in a lot more trouble than I ever imagined. That's the way I thought before that phone call."

You have to feel bad for Scott. You have to feel bad for others who have lost their jobs in the past few months. Everyday, you hear about the hundreds and thousands of people losing their jobs, mostly at newspapers.

Scott Carter

The reason I call Scott the poster child is that a story on sportsjournalists.com about the incident at the Tampa Tribune has been read nearly 20,000 times. That far exceeds 95 percent of the stories and links on that site.

I think people empathize with Scott's situation. People have some humanity.

Scott's brother-in-law, Andy Staples of SI.com and former reporter at the Tribune, was so irate with the decision by Tampa that he penned this heartfelt letter to the bosses there.

"I hate to be writing this e-mail, but today's events have left me dumbfounded," Staples said. "I take back any kind word I have ever spoken about The Tampa Tribune or its management. Never again will I lift a finger to help the Tribune, unless it is to help current staffers find other employment. I also will tell any talented, job-seeking journalist I meet to steer clear of the Tribune."

Staples showed his love for his brother-in-law and friend.

I initially was taken aback by the decision but then I sent him a note applauding his passion and compassion.

I had to eliminate a few people at the Sentinel and each decision was difficult. I came up with viable reasons for each and I presented them to my bosses. We added some names. We subtracted some names. We finally agreed on a number, and I had to do the horrible duty of breaking the news to each.

Each took it pretty well. I was a little shocked. I wonder how I'd react if I were on the receiving end? Would I scream? Would I point a finger at someone else? Would I tear apart the office?

But, in the case of Scott Carter and my exiting employees of the Sentinel, everyone handled it with class and professionalism. Each will try to find a job in this field and each will question whether they made the right call to do this over again.

Would I, if given the chance so many years ago, join this profession again?

I would like to think so.

The basic tenets about this business are the same: getting the big story and being in front of the news, telling stories that people would like to read and see, giving people information that would enrich their lives, giving them commentary on why something happened along with the how.

As we go forward, you as a sports editor need to remember that.

Scott still remembers. He still has the passion, even though he was let go.

"I hope to remain in sports journalism and continue a career I have come to love not only for what the job entails, but the passion and competitiveness of the people in it," he said. "For the most part, quality of the craft truly matters to the writers and editors, it's just too bad so often that the business side doesn't seem to appreciate or even know what good journalism is."

Listen to Scott. He's out of work, but he understands this business.

So go forward, show compassion for your troops and show passion for your industry.

• • •

Lynn Hoppes is the Associate Managing Editor/Sports for the Orlando Sentinel. You can reach him at (407) 420-5122 or via e-mail at lhoppes@orlandosentinel.com.

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