Where Mike Felger’s ‘Soft’ Boston Media Criticism Hits and Misses

However, last time I checked, doesn’t Felger himself work for one of these Boston media “outlets”?

Felger & Mazz is one of the country’s most successful and widely listened-to sports radio programs. The foundation of the show is rooted in the deep journalistic experience both Felger and Tony Massarotti built during their years in traditional print media.

To their credit, Felger & Mazz have discussed the ongoing controversy involving Vrabel on several occasions. In fact, they even challenged longtime Boston writer Greg Bedard on air about whether the Vrabel/Russini story is something audiences care about.

Here’s where Felger’s criticism falls short.

Where Felger Missed

While he focused heavily on “outlets,” he didn’t consider his own. His critique targeted beat reporters, who, according to Patriots reporter Ben Volin, ignored team directives and did ask Vrabel questions during his limited availability regarding the controversy.

Going back and watching the tape, Volin was correct.

Meanwhile, Scott Zolak, who also hosts on 98.5 The Sports Hub, openly admitted he didn’t feel comfortable discussing the situation involving the Patriots’ head coach.

“I like my jobs, and like working here. I like working with the Patriots, doing games on TV and being with the team. For me to sit there and cast stones at this guy would not do me great things. So there’s your answer in a nutshell,” said Zolak on April 16.

So what’s softer? Reporters asking limited questions during restricted access, or a talk show host refusing to discuss a topic the audience cares about because he values job security?

Yet Felger singles out “outlets” while pointing only to newspaper reporters and editors. Not his teammate at 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Felger isn’t wrong about what’s been lost. Newsrooms are thinner. Access is tighter. The appetite for confrontation isn’t what it once was when he ran the beat. All of that is real.

But credibility in today’s sports media ecosystem isn’t built on pointing to the past. It’s built on what you’re willing to do right now, in your own chair, with your own microphone.

Could Felger have done what he believes beat reporters failed to do? A drive to the Patriots facility wouldn’t have been too unreasonable. That’s what a responsible sports talk host does. When something is missing, you go out and do the work.

In Conclusion

Journalism remains the backbone of what makes Felger and Massarotti effective. The success of 98.5 The Sports Hub proves that.

But if the standard is to “meet the moment,” then it applies across the board. Even to your teammates, and not behind a broad label of ‘outlets.’ Not just to beat writers fighting for access. But to hosts with massive platforms, protected airtime, and the freedom to say what others can’t.

You can’t call out softness in the market while excusing it in your own building.

Because the audience can tell the difference between can’t and won’t. And they don’t reward the latter. That’s the part of this conversation that matters most.

It’s not about Boston being soft. It’s about who’s actually willing to be firm when it counts.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries.Sign upfor our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

John Mamola

John Mamola

John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.

linktr.ee/johnmamola

The post Where Mike Felger’s ‘Soft’ Boston Media Criticism Hits and Misses appeared first on Barrett Media.