Say,watching the Commentary of Ashley Wagner's injury the other day bought this question to mind. How much IS a Commentator allowed to expose about a Skater's injuries or life? Because in the case of Ashley,I surously HOPE that she gave permission for them to say she was hurt....to the world?! I curtainly wouldn't feel right.
A QUESTION ABOUT COMMENTARY?
- Thread starter FSWer
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@FSWer There's generally no specific rule. The federation, broadcast station, or competition gives the commentators an info sheet about each of the competitors to read off of. This generally has the ISU bio and some "fluff piece" information (ie. they have a dog, they started skating at age 3, they are also in college). I believe some stations also gives the commentators a planned program content sheet for each competitor. They're definitely allowed to say stuff like that - information that is released for them to relay to the public.
Other information is gleaned from the commentators own research. This might be interviews and press conferences, casual conversations with skaters and coaches, watching practice sessions, and doing some googling of their own. I'd imagine all the stuff from interviews/press conferences and practice sessions is fair game, as these are known to be public. Some of the things said in casual conversations is meant to be shared, and other stuff should be kept private (and I'm sure the skater/coach will tell them what's private); whether the commentator shares only what should be shared is an individual judgement.
I would imagine Ashley was fine with Tara and Johnny knowing she was hurt. She doesn't generally make a huge deal out of injuries or say anything about , them, but in this case statements were prepared. Skaters are required to report all injuries and illnesses to USFS, and a team doctor is present at international competitions, so I'm sure USFS was aware of the issue well in advance. It does seem like she told them, or at least wasn't thinking it would be a secret, as they were aware of the ankle wrap and that there was an ankle injury of some sort. In fact, I think the ankle issue was reported before competition started.
Other information is gleaned from the commentators own research. This might be interviews and press conferences, casual conversations with skaters and coaches, watching practice sessions, and doing some googling of their own. I'd imagine all the stuff from interviews/press conferences and practice sessions is fair game, as these are known to be public. Some of the things said in casual conversations is meant to be shared, and other stuff should be kept private (and I'm sure the skater/coach will tell them what's private); whether the commentator shares only what should be shared is an individual judgement.
I would imagine Ashley was fine with Tara and Johnny knowing she was hurt. She doesn't generally make a huge deal out of injuries or say anything about , them, but in this case statements were prepared. Skaters are required to report all injuries and illnesses to USFS, and a team doctor is present at international competitions, so I'm sure USFS was aware of the issue well in advance. It does seem like she told them, or at least wasn't thinking it would be a secret, as they were aware of the ankle wrap and that there was an ankle injury of some sort. In fact, I think the ankle issue was reported before competition started.
@FSWer Depends on the skater. Personal things wouldn't be included in the official materials.
To prevent anyone from sharing too much, some skaters don't share anything too personal (Gracie Gold before leaving Frank Carroll) or only share details they want to share (Alexa & Chris Knirem about her abdominal illness). Other skaters share everything so that they can control the narrative. It all depends on the skater's comfort level and how they choose to handle personal things.
I've never heard a case of a commentator sharing something they weren't supposed to share in skating, but I'm sure there are cases of that. As a professional thing, they are never supposed to share anything that's supposed to be private, but sometimes it slips out, and some commentators care more about ratings than ethics. For the most part in skating the commentators don't share things they shouldn't share; in other sports tons of dirt leaks out that I'm sure athletes don't want shared. I'm sure it has something to do with skating being a small community - so if Tara or Johnny pisses anyone off too much, they're sure to hear about it and not in a nice way. Not to mention the skating federations have more control over commentators because of the small community, so if something inappropriate is said they'll be hearing from more than just the athlete and coach.
To prevent anyone from sharing too much, some skaters don't share anything too personal (Gracie Gold before leaving Frank Carroll) or only share details they want to share (Alexa & Chris Knirem about her abdominal illness). Other skaters share everything so that they can control the narrative. It all depends on the skater's comfort level and how they choose to handle personal things.
I've never heard a case of a commentator sharing something they weren't supposed to share in skating, but I'm sure there are cases of that. As a professional thing, they are never supposed to share anything that's supposed to be private, but sometimes it slips out, and some commentators care more about ratings than ethics. For the most part in skating the commentators don't share things they shouldn't share; in other sports tons of dirt leaks out that I'm sure athletes don't want shared. I'm sure it has something to do with skating being a small community - so if Tara or Johnny pisses anyone off too much, they're sure to hear about it and not in a nice way. Not to mention the skating federations have more control over commentators because of the small community, so if something inappropriate is said they'll be hearing from more than just the athlete and coach.
Carolla5501
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Actually in the US it's a slippery slope. For example if the team doctor tells NBC something without the skater's (or parental depending on age) that's a violation of law and can subject the physician to liability
Skittl1321
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I would imagine the team doctor does not ever release this sort of information. But a coach is not subject to HIPAA, for instance.
Carolla5501
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I can imagine. I spend a lot of time in this area. You would be amazed what people who should know better will do when "attention" is involved
