New Assistant AD for Communications/PR

[CuseJacket]

you guys should see how poorly GT treats the media when compared to UGA....its off the hook bad, defensive and it needs to change.

GT acts like everyone is out to get them. And in turn are treated that way

UGA has almost a limitless open door policy gamedays...they reserve huge space and cater each football game with nice food...just for the media. They gain attendance and perceptions for the media by literally catering to them. Does that mean they have limitless access to the program, coaches and records. No of course not. They are just like GT in this way. But what UGA does that GT doesn't is go out of their way to make them feel way more welcome while at games, on campus, getting credentials etc.

GT has a big issue and it needs to change. GT needs to create a more positive environment for media to flourish. Putting a swarm sign on 75 and a twitter account is a joke. Thats not good marketing. Marketing has to be as much groundworks as it is utilizing the media etc...we are just not good at it...

So I'll confirm and dispel some of these talking points, and I think I'm qualified given my credentialed access the last two years. I recognize some of these points as valid in the past, given what you and media members have told me directly, however there must have been strides recently. I've been to every GT football game as a member of the media, home and away, minus 3 over the last 2 years.

• Food
  • GT caters food prior to every game. Buffet line access and drinks throughout the game. If anyone has done the media tour through Buzz Memories during the last 2 years, you've experienced the same catering as the AJC, Scout, Rivals, GTSwarm, FTRS, visiting media, etc.
  • GT also brings in pizza following each game for those writing their game wraps or packing their equipment.
  • Here's what I found surprising given my perception going in... the only school to outdo GT with food was Clemson. Clemson had food throughout the game and a new spread at halftime. ACC championship was probably on par with GT. Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia, UNC, Duke, UVA, Orange Bowl, Tulane opening day, etc. did not stack up relative to what media was offered at GT. Georgia did snacks at halftime - not exactly a tipping point for me.
  • Basketball is a little different. I've noticed it's of the same caliber as Duke, Syracuse, NC State, etc. I haven't done a ton of away games.
• Access
  • I will not get into all of the specifics as I think some parts should stay off a public forum. In my opinion only I think GT does some things well and not so well. I cannot speak to differences relative to other programs outside of my personal perception as a fan.
  • GTSwarm was given access the last two years whereas we were denied previously. I will never profess that GTSwarm is a differentiator in the media world (if you have suggestions though, please PM me), however the idea that we can fill empty seats in the media box and provide a partial inside look directly to fans has to be a positive to the general public and therefore GT. Perhaps this overall post speaks to the value i.e., allowing me to refute past perceptions, so kudos to GT in this regard for recent progress.
  • In my opinion only I agree with 33's points on marketing and proactive outreach. For me personally and in talking with others, I think a lot of media coverage is driven by media, where I think there is some opportunity left on the table for outreach the other way around. I'll qualify this with the fact that clearly I am a fringe member of the media. I would never expect GT to reach out to me personally for an interview or to cover a story. My perception is that Ken, for example, would be willing to write any story that GT offers up and there's a reason we get what we get.

So overall based on my preconceived perceptions I think GT has made progress. Given that trajectory I expect that there's more coming. Everyone at the GTAA has been cordial and accommodating. I am not saying all of this to protect personal interests. If I thought it was as doom and gloom as it's been projected then I probably wouldn't have posted anything. That said it's also safe to say there are many many things happening that I have no insight into, so take my opinion and observations with the proper perspective.

 

[CuseJacket]

I should also add... similar to our discussions about size of recruiting/athletic staff, the size of GT's media dept does not seem to compare to the larger schools, so that would play a part in overall capacity. Whether we have the budget to add more, I don't know.

 

[dressedcheeseside]

So I'll confirm and dispel some of these talking points, and I think I'm qualified given my credentialed access the last two years. I recognize some of these points as valid in the past, given what you and media members have told me directly, however there must have been strides recently. I've been to every GT football game as a member of the media, home and away, minus 3 over the last 2 years.

• Food
  • GT caters food prior to every game. Buffet line access and drinks throughout the game. If anyone has done the media tour through Buzz Memories during the last 2 years, you've experienced the same catering as the AJC, Scout, Rivals, GTSwarm, FTRS, visiting media, etc.
  • GT also brings in pizza following each game for those writing their game wraps or packing their equipment.
  • Here's what I found surprising given my perception going in... the only school to outdo GT with food was Clemson. Clemson had food throughout the game and a new spread at halftime. ACC championship was probably on par with GT. Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia, UNC, Duke, UVA, Orange Bowl, Tulane opening day, etc. did not stack up relative to what media was offered at GT. Georgia did snacks at halftime - not exactly a tipping point for me.
  • Basketball is a little different. I've noticed it's of the same caliber as Duke, Syracuse, NC State, etc. I haven't done a ton of away games.
• Access
  • I will not get into all of the specifics as I think some parts should stay off a public forum. In my opinion only I think GT does some things well and not so well. I cannot speak to differences relative to other programs outside of my personal perception as a fan.
  • GTSwarm was given access the last two years whereas we were denied previously. I will never profess that GTSwarm is a differentiator in the media world (if you have suggestions though, please PM me), however the idea that we can fill empty seats in the media box and provide a partial inside look directly to fans has to be a positive to the general public and therefore GT. Perhaps this overall post speaks to the value i.e., allowing me to refute past perceptions, so kudos to GT in this regard for recent progress.
  • In my opinion only I agree with 33's points on marketing and proactive outreach. For me personally and in talking with others, I think a lot of media coverage is driven by media, where I think there is some opportunity left on the table for outreach the other way around. I'll qualify this with the fact that clearly I am a fringe member of the media. I would never expect GT to reach out to me personally for an interview or to cover a story. My perception is that Ken, for example, would be willing to write any story that GT offers up and there's a reason we get what we get.

So overall based on my preconceived perceptions I think GT has made progress. Given that trajectory I expect that there's more coming. Everyone at the GTAA has been cordial and accommodating. I am not saying all of this to protect personal interests. If I thought it was as doom and gloom as it's been projected then I probably wouldn't have posted anything. That said it's also safe to say there are many many things happening that I have no insight into, so take my opinion and observations with the proper perspective.

Thanks for that. The media caters to the public, that is where their bread is buttered. It is only natural that they sit at the feet of the master that feeds them and, in turn, growl at their enemies (us). Above all else, they want a compelling story. If we win, we'll get their attention, to be sure. We just won't get the undying devotion they give the cesspool. The only times they're critical of Ugag is when they fall below expections. But that is still catering to their fanbase because they are pissed and want the media to agree with them.

Btw, in your perception, is their any truth to the alleged contempt CPJ has for Ken?

 

[JacketFromUGA]

Thanks for that. The media caters to the public, that is where their bread is buttered. It is only natural that they sit at the feet of the master that feeds them and, in turn, growl at their enemies (us). Above all else, they want a compelling story. If we win, we'll get their attention, to be sure. We just won't get the undying devotion they give the cesspool. The only times they're critical of Ugag is when they fall below expections. But that is still catering to their fanbase because they are pissed and want the media to agree with them.

Btw, in your perception, is their any truth to the alleged contempt CPJ has for Ken?

funny because the vast majority of UGA fans I know think the AJC hates UGA

 

[Techster]

funny because the vast majority of UGA fans I know think the AJC hates UGA

Every fan thinks the local paper hates them. Funny how perception changes depending on POV.

 

[CuseJacket]

Btw, in your perception, is their any truth to the alleged contempt CPJ has for Ken?

I haven't discussed it with anyone and haven't noticed any non-verbals specific to Ken. Apologies for the short response but nothing really to add.

 

[dressedcheeseside]

I haven't discussed it with anyone and haven't noticed any non-verbals specific to Ken. Apologies for the short response but nothing really to add.

It's been reported that he's especially smartassity and short with Ken. More so than the others. Ken has always seemed kind of tentative around him, imo.

 

[ilovetheoption]

It's been reported that he's especially smartassity and short with Ken. More so than the others. Ken has always seemed kind of tentative around him, imo.

Didn't this happen when Ken had a "asked mom after dad said no" situation or something?

 

[Augusta_Jacket]

Sounds like a lot of our college football fans...

This is not specific to Tech fans. Almost every fan base, including uga, thinks that not enough is done to paint them in a positive light and too much is reported that is negative.

 

[Supersizethatorder-mutt]

So I'll confirm and dispel some of these talking points, and I think I'm qualified given my credentialed access the last two years. I recognize some of these points as valid in the past, given what you and media members have told me directly, however there must have been strides recently. I've been to every GT football game as a member of the media, home and away, minus 3 over the last 2 years.

• Food
  • GT caters food prior to every game. Buffet line access and drinks throughout the game. If anyone has done the media tour through Buzz Memories during the last 2 years, you've experienced the same catering as the AJC, Scout, Rivals, GTSwarm, FTRS, visiting media, etc.
  • GT also brings in pizza following each game for those writing their game wraps or packing their equipment.
  • Here's what I found surprising given my perception going in... the only school to outdo GT with food was Clemson. Clemson had food throughout the game and a new spread at halftime. ACC championship was probably on par with GT. Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia, UNC, Duke, UVA, Orange Bowl, Tulane opening day, etc. did not stack up relative to what media was offered at GT. Georgia did snacks at halftime - not exactly a tipping point for me.
  • Basketball is a little different. I've noticed it's of the same caliber as Duke, Syracuse, NC State, etc. I haven't done a ton of away games.
• Access
  • I will not get into all of the specifics as I think some parts should stay off a public forum. In my opinion only I think GT does some things well and not so well. I cannot speak to differences relative to other programs outside of my personal perception as a fan.
  • GTSwarm was given access the last two years whereas we were denied previously. I will never profess that GTSwarm is a differentiator in the media world (if you have suggestions though, please PM me), however the idea that we can fill empty seats in the media box and provide a partial inside look directly to fans has to be a positive to the general public and therefore GT. Perhaps this overall post speaks to the value i.e., allowing me to refute past perceptions, so kudos to GT in this regard for recent progress.
  • In my opinion only I agree with 33's points on marketing and proactive outreach. For me personally and in talking with others, I think a lot of media coverage is driven by media, where I think there is some opportunity left on the table for outreach the other way around. I'll qualify this with the fact that clearly I am a fringe member of the media. I would never expect GT to reach out to me personally for an interview or to cover a story. My perception is that Ken, for example, would be willing to write any story that GT offers up and there's a reason we get what we get.

So overall based on my preconceived perceptions I think GT has made progress. Given that trajectory I expect that there's more coming. Everyone at the GTAA has been cordial and accommodating. I am not saying all of this to protect personal interests. If I thought it was as doom and gloom as it's been projected then I probably wouldn't have posted anything. That said it's also safe to say there are many many things happening that I have no insight into, so take my opinion and observations with the proper perspective.

I don't know about Yandle, but his predecessor was very selective about whom he allowed to eat from the buffet, being particularly discriminating against small-town media from in state. His actions at times bordered on the vindictive.

 

[swampsting]

Well, at least PJ going on every so often on the Chattanooga station gives Tech a pretty good showing in an area that's almost solidly all-SEC. If you're wondering how that got started, it was pitched to the SID department. They at least did jump at the chance.

 

[33jacket]

So I'll confirm and dispel some of these talking points, and I think I'm qualified given my credentialed access the last two years. I recognize some of these points as valid in the past, given what you and media members have told me directly, however there must have been strides recently. I've been to every GT football game as a member of the media, home and away, minus 3 over the last 2 years.

• Food
  • GT caters food prior to every game. Buffet line access and drinks throughout the game. If anyone has done the media tour through Buzz Memories during the last 2 years, you've experienced the same catering as the AJC, Scout, Rivals, GTSwarm, FTRS, visiting media, etc.
  • GT also brings in pizza following each game for those writing their game wraps or packing their equipment.
  • Here's what I found surprising given my perception going in... the only school to outdo GT with food was Clemson. Clemson had food throughout the game and a new spread at halftime. ACC championship was probably on par with GT. Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia, UNC, Duke, UVA, Orange Bowl, Tulane opening day, etc. did not stack up relative to what media was offered at GT. Georgia did snacks at halftime - not exactly a tipping point for me.
  • Basketball is a little different. I've noticed it's of the same caliber as Duke, Syracuse, NC State, etc. I haven't done a ton of away games.
• Access
  • I will not get into all of the specifics as I think some parts should stay off a public forum. In my opinion only I think GT does some things well and not so well. I cannot speak to differences relative to other programs outside of my personal perception as a fan.
  • GTSwarm was given access the last two years whereas we were denied previously. I will never profess that GTSwarm is a differentiator in the media world (if you have suggestions though, please PM me), however the idea that we can fill empty seats in the media box and provide a partial inside look directly to fans has to be a positive to the general public and therefore GT. Perhaps this overall post speaks to the value i.e., allowing me to refute past perceptions, so kudos to GT in this regard for recent progress.
  • In my opinion only I agree with 33's points on marketing and proactive outreach. For me personally and in talking with others, I think a lot of media coverage is driven by media, where I think there is some opportunity left on the table for outreach the other way around. I'll qualify this with the fact that clearly I am a fringe member of the media. I would never expect GT to reach out to me personally for an interview or to cover a story. My perception is that Ken, for example, would be willing to write any story that GT offers up and there's a reason we get what we get.

So overall based on my preconceived perceptions I think GT has made progress. Given that trajectory I expect that there's more coming. Everyone at the GTAA has been cordial and accommodating. I am not saying all of this to protect personal interests. If I thought it was as doom and gloom as it's been projected then I probably wouldn't have posted anything. That said it's also safe to say there are many many things happening that I have no insight into, so take my opinion and observations with the proper perspective.

Cuse. Uga caters to the media in a box on the 50....maybe its changed the last two years or so but gt never did this 5-6 years ago

 

[TechCubed]

I sent this thread to a friend who is well-connected, and here's his response:

The way Georgia Tech handles the media is pretty much standard for Power-5 teams. Media has access to various players and coaches Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and after the games. There's also the weekly ACC teleconference, plus the radio and TV shows (if you want to count as content available to the public). Whoever is broadcasting the game that week gets some one-on-one access later in the week. CPJ normally does a few radio interviews each week as well.

As with any organization dealing with the media, there are accommodations made for larger outlets. The AJC, SI, ESPN, etc can make specific requests outside the normal windows that are usually granted. CPJ tends to be pretty accessible compared to most coaches. If you polled Ken and other beat writers across the ACC, I'd bet that CPJ is in top 3 or 4 in terms of being available and actually answering questions.

If you are a smaller outlet only there for games and expecting any special treatment, that's not the time and place for that (not matter if you're at GT, UGA, etc.). If your expectation is that you'll get CPJ one-on-one and go into the locker room after the game, it's not going to happen. Conversely, when the TV station from Savannah covers a game, they are able to get Brad Stewart even if he is not part of the press conference.

As for meals, GTAA has provided press meals in the football press box forever. There was a period in time where DRad decided to charge $5 for the media buffet, but MBob reversed that when he arrived. As the media contingent following basketball dwindled, GTAA started providing concession vouchers rather than a catered meal. Again, it's pretty standard across Power-5. You'll find some schools that do more, some than do less. Georgia Tech is at or above par.

The trend across sports in general is less media access and more in-house (social media, web site) content. Georgia Tech's access has been steady over the years plus regular stuff from Jon Cooper and Matt Winkeljohn, in addition to behind-the-scenes on social media. As ACC rules, coaches, ADs and SIDs change, policies are definitely going to evolve, so you can't compare covering a game in O'Leary/Rice era to Gailey/Braine to CPJ/MBob.

 

[first&ten]

As afan of all things (sports wise ) GT,I find these takes eye opening. My perspective concerning media attention has been just from the chat boards, radio sports talk, TV, and the ever present AJC love for ugag & SEC. If someone in the know thinks that Tech is really trying to make an effort to shmoose the media , I'm all for it.

 

[Skeptic]

I couldn't find those tweets. All I saw were silly and borderline immature tweets on The Bacholorette. Where are the ones in which he talks about being asked to leave?

I still find it astonishing that people will share almost anything with complete strangers with a tweet, a text, or a Facebook post or whatever -- smoke signals next?-- and apparently consider no part of their lives as belonging just to them. I guess I come from a time when my life is pretty much nobody's business. Seems like an awful lot of whine to me.

 

[Skeptic]

And more on Yandle: when a fellow begins taking seriously the gladhanding compliments of his fellow travelers and thinks they represent or should represent the sample as a whole, he ought to be fired. Everybody knows how that goes: To Yandle it is always what a great job he does. As an aside afterward, it is what a yokel he is and we can't believe GT hired him. If you're not smart enough to get that going in, then ...

 

[1BearJACKET]

A little too much SEC love from the new guy IMHO. If he would rather watch SEC football that weekend maybe he shouldn't make the trip to Dublin.

 

[SolicitorJacket]

A little too much SEC love from the new guy IMHO. If he would rather watch SEC football that weekend maybe he shouldn't make the trip to Dublin.

I am hoping this is tongue in cheek....but in case it is not....Flynn came to us after a number of years at Appy St. They are playing Tennessee to open the season and the game is on SEC network. I dont blame him for wanting to keep up. Again apologies if this was a joke I jusy didnt get.

 

[deeeznutz]

A little too much SEC love from the new guy IMHO. If he would rather watch SEC football that weekend maybe he shouldn't make the trip to Dublin.

He's rooting AGAINST the SEC team there, not sure where you're seeing the love. I actually like seeing a passionate loyalty to a school he spent many years at that doesn't cross our path much if at all. It shows that he cares.

 

[1BearJACKET]

Apologies for not knowing that App. State was the opener for the Vols.....just slightly outside of my Georgia Tech-centric Football Universe. Are all jimmeez unrustled now?