Duco

So Duco is in the news again; an organisation whose means  are once again glossed over.  The fall-out from last weekend’s Parker fight has been all about “low-lifes” and a slightly bullying approach to tracking down those who streamed that fight illegally (although it shoud be noted, for no personal financial gain)

Anyway, the Duco resentment is nothing new.

For a while now there has been a large amount of media who will cover their events arguably beyond what they should,. Journalists have bought in as a result of ‘free’ or ‘sponsored’ trips. The same goes with the Sky group which is also involved in boxing.

A number of journalists in the past two or three years have been taken to Las Vegas or Germany etc. This of course makes it difficult for that outlet to criticize Duco from then on. In fact, the lines get blurred; for example the possibly paid for the Larry Holmes endorsement of Parker last year.

Other media get caught up in the hype around boxing ‘a chance at the title’.  It has become a sport like no other in terms of its hyperbole. Has any journalist actually checked this out, or do they just take what is sent to them, add an adjective, and publish?

David Higgins and Craig Stanaway’s joint credibility sits on the back of a postcard, and are just happy to be surrounded by the hype.

Another example is TVNZ sports reporter George Berry taking a selfie with Parker and putting it on his website. This is clearly not the way journalists should act. Other sporting promoters offer things like that, but there are rules.

Lonergan actively, possibly obsessively, monitoring Joseph Parker coverage on Radio Sport news is not a good look either; especially when you consider he gets an uncritical, and often promotional, ride from that station.

When those questioning some of the events as to their legitimacy have been criticized/abused by media who say ‘you’re just jealous they are getting great publicity’ or ‘you don’t know boxing’.

The techniques for gaining publicity are appreciated, but also recognise the ‘laziness/lack of time’ media outlets now have and if it’s given to them and is slightly interesting and promoted well, then it’s usable.

It’s somewhat easier to get publicity when you offer Radio Network/Mediaworks ‘free’ tables to your event in exchange for advertising and interviews. And can we please stop this nonsense of those who got a free table in the weekend claiming to be neutral commentators on an event such as last Saturday.

And it’s laid out so obviously. Including an assault on the English language.

Is this proper analysis?  No., it’s sticking up for those who feather.

The Paul Henry show had three Parker related features during the week, including that Sheridan guy saying “This may be the biggest sporting event ever in New Zealand”.

Kayes nodded his head.  This is not sports reporting or journalism; it’s tacky promotion.

When questioning some particular Duco staff on events People are told ‘don’t miss out’ and that ‘the media won’t like you as we spend big money with them and you wouldn’t want to criticize the people who keep media afloat’ also ‘I’ll let xxx media know about your attitude and I’m sure you won’t be getting many phone calls for work from them’.  It is fair to say this site will not get a junket.

Enough of this, Dylan Cleaver nails it here.

A really good example of the lack of context and balance was  this. Given Duco’s famed treatment of female employees  Where has Higgins been this week anyway?

Also , is per view is actually paying its way?  A lot of the “Robin Hood” feedback from the last week centred around the price of it, which was a fleece.  .The Bobbin Hood line is a step too far, but there is a reason Duco are down there with Dean’s “low-lifes” (sic)

Update:

With the ongoing debate about who should pitch in for the Parker fringe title fight, isn’t it interesting how so-called independent media commentators are adopting the rhetoric of Duco when pushing the cause?

Otherwise respected people talking about a New Zealand based fight being “a victory over the NAYSAYERS” etc.  They may want to think about their long-term reputations.

There is now no analysis of boxing in this country; only promotion.  In a nasty tone.

And isn’t that Dave Higgins a charmer when talking about an employee?