Comments on: Juan Pablo Montoya And A Lesson In How Not To Behave During A Press Conference

By: ProMod20

ProMod20 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:37:16 +0000

I fully take JPM’s side on this. The reporter was way out of line.

But at the same time, as someone who has worked in this sport for 20 years, I can tell you that the PR people get more and more trifling every year.

There are some really good ones. Tony Stewart and Dale Jr have some of the best PR people in the business. But far too many of the others see themselves as “handlers” and have bigger egos than the drivers they represent. And most importantly, they forget what the initials PR stand for.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:56:33 +0000

Michael, even if it was the drivers responsibility, interview requests from larger media outlets would still have the higher priority.

Drivers signed up to drive, and PR Reps signed up to handle interview requests. Ever heard of “job description?”

By: Big Henry

Big Henry — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:23:26 +0000

***All I’m suggesting is that these prima donnas do have a responsibility to the media to grant interviews. No matter what.
After all,it’s their choice to be in that position.*****says Michael.

Yep, and their choice was not to spend time with you.
Bugger off, little man.

By: Snafam

Snafam — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:24:27 +0000

I agree with nearly everything stated here, except the comment about working for small publications or foreign publications.

Mr Morales represented the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network, the main media information source for our military members stationed outside of the Continental United States. Believe it or not, he may have only been trying to serve his Latino readers, who are interested in trying to keep up with JPM’s activities while deployed overseas, on ship, or in some cases…fighting for our country.

I do regret that Mr. Morales choose this method of trying to get an interview. I regret even more, though, that there will be Latino and non-Latino service members and their families who will be missing the ‘touch of home’ information about Mr. Montoya.

By: Journo

Journo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:29:33 +0000

Michael- For popular drivers it is not possible within a weekend to grant every interview. It just isn’t. It has nothing to do with being a “prima donna” or anything else, it’s that there are many other commitments, so they (or rather their representatives) are forced to pick and choose what one-on-one interviews to do. Remember though reporters still have access to these drivers during regularly scheduled media availabilities.

The only responsibility these guys have is to themselves and to their sponsors. That’s why they grant media requests in the first place.

The media is necessary for the proliferation of information to the fans, but like TC said the fans are what matter, not the media.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:07:46 +0000

One of the first tenets of journalism is to not make yourself the story. That is exactly what this guy did, and it is highly unprofessional.

Take your complaints to the PR person. Ask JPM about NASCAR, his life, the race, whatever.

By: Ross

Ross — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:05:47 +0000

The media needs the drivers and the drivers need the media. Everyone knows how the game is played.

That said, the reporter was unprofessional and the best way to deal with him is for NASCAR to yank his media credentials.

By: Doug in CA

Doug in CA — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:37:55 +0000

Journo and 4mer: I would assume that it varies from driver to driver, year to year, right? Getting face time with Jimmie Johnson during the chase is one thing, while getting an interview with David Gilliland at Pocono in June is something else.

As for Montoya, I am sure he could tell his PR guy to let him know about spanish-language requests. He COULD do them, I’m sure, but he also has the right to abdicate the responsibility to others. I think the public tends to forget the amazing demands put on these guys’ time.

4mer, I bet you have some great stories!

By: T.C.

T.C. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:22:29 +0000

Michael: I agree that they have a responsibility to the media to grant interviews and answer questions. I also agree that they chose their situation. But I don’t think they should be required or feel obligated to sit down for every interview that is requested. These guys would never sleep if that were the case. I also think that the drivers should be able to refuse interviews if they don’t have a good relationship with a reporter. If the reporters can’t be professional and respectful (like we all expect the drivers to be) then they shouldn’t be allowed the priviledge to ask questions.

I do disagree with your thought that without the media, the drivers wouldn’t be where they are. It’s more like, without the fans they wouldn’t be where they are. The media only exists to cover motorsports because that’s what people like and consume. If nobody liked racing, the media wouldn’t cover it.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:01:25 +0000

T.C.-

All I’m suggesting is that these prima donnas do have a responsibility to the media to grant interviews. No matter what.

After all,it’s their choice to be in that position.