Hockey Over-Exposure

Even though hockey hasn't been played in well over a year, it still claims most of the headlines, and the majority of television exposure on Toronto's sports networks. I have switched on to all three of the major sports networks on several occasions to see Raptors or Blue Jays highlights, only to witness reports on the lack of progress in the NHL lockout and "hockey future" reports. It seems that anything and everything associated to hockey (ie The Score's story on Paul Kariya's sister) is being exposed to death.

While I do realize that the majority of these stations' audiences are primarily hockey fans. I am sure that even they are sick and tired about news on the lack of news in the hockey lockout. It is becoming extremely tiring having the AHL and CHL shoved down our throats, due to the lack of NHL news. But realistically, who cares about minor league hockey? The absence felt by many NHL fans, is not being filled by career minor leaguers and up and comers.

The hockey lockout is a unique oppertunity to display to all of North America that we are not one dimensional sports fans. But how can that be accomplished when our sports networks' try their hardest to keep it that way? The Raptors are nothing special, but are still playing, why do they recieve less exposure then the AHL and the hockey lockout? The Blue Jays are an exciting young team with good chances of doing something special and surprising alot of people this year. Ted Rogers recently committed $210 million over three years to J.P. Ricciardi's budget. But on this glorious day, the top story was a report on the lack of news in the hockey lockout. Why? Are we trying to push every major sport out of Toronto? Because the lack of exposure the Raptors and the Blue Jays are recieving at this point is really hurting these two franchises. Would it really hurt to interview a Blue Jay or two after they win? Compile some sort of Raptors report summing up their struggles thus far this season? What about a report discussing the Jays, and their bright future.

Please, stop shoving hockey down our throats. When they come to an agreement, I won't complain when there is lots of coverage. But for now, help out the Blue Jays and the Raptors, give them a little exposure.

Thank you for your time.