If you are journalist/broadcaster or aspiring to be one, it is important to lay low and not be the center of attention. After all, the subjects you and others are interviewing are the big story.
Ed Littler from KHAS-TV in Hastings, Nebraska was in Chicago late last week attending the Big Ten football media day. Reporters and broadcasters from various networks sit around tables with coaches and players to discuss the upcoming season.
After a group interview with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, Mr. Littler was bold enough to ask coach for his autograph…not for him, but for his girlfriend. Keep in mind, he is the station’s sports director and has been covering teams for over 20 years.
He says she is a big Iowa fan, and “her code name is the Iowa Hawkeye.” The best part is at the end when he not only tells Coach Ferentz what to write, but says, “Kirk, go ahead and sign your name.”
Littler is taking some beef after the video has popped up on numerous websites. He later responded to a Deadspin inquiry.
I wasn’t getting that autograph for myself, though. It is for this gal who is an Iowa fan that I know. She is pretty sharpe. I hope she likes it.
Of course, I would never get an autograph for myself and had never done anything like that. I hadn’t met coach Ferentz before.
I really didn’t think anyone would tape record the conversation, but with cameras on every cell phone these days, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Have a great week!
While on the job, don’t ever ask for an autograph from a coach, player, celebrity, etc. Always remember, be professional. You never know who is watching…and in this case, recording.
Are you kidding me? This guy had the balls to ask in front of other media.
This is one of those things that feels wrong, because it is.