Goal Against Fans

06/20/2016 - 16h58

The relationship between Folha readers and the editors of the sports section has always been in conflict, with love and hate. The newspaper, which does not carry traditional sports coverage, has dissatisfied traditional soccer fans.

First, it massively increased the use of graphics and numerical quantification in sports coverage, having been the first to use statistics, prepared by the Datafolha polling institute, in the analysis of sports.

It also characterized itself by investing in investigative news, showing what it is behind the politics of sports and keeping itself far from the excessive euphoria that marks sports journalism, especially on TV.

In the words of those who admire its journalistic style, Folha always had the best coverage of the politics of sports, but often lost sight of sports in the midst of so much politics.

With the newspaper in transformation, and getting smaller, readers have been cruel in their evaluations.

"There is no other word to describe the section today, other than mediocre. Or worse," complained one.

"What Folha is doing to the sports section is disrespectful. Increasingly less information, less space for São Paulo clubs and plenty of space for other teams, mainly Barcelona. Formula One has disappeared. Many times the news is reduced to one page," griped another.

Last week was an example of how the newspaper has treated sports badly. The elimination of Brazil's team in the Copa America on Sunday (June 12) was treated with neglect on the front page. Besides the historic nature, the loss could have resulted in firing the manager, which is what happened.

In Friday's edition (June 17), there were two big games in the Brazilian championship series to report, but the newspaper carried only Fluminense versus Corinthians without telling about the game of the leader, Internacional. There was not even a chart with rankings.

For the head of the editing desk, Vinicius Mota, there is not disinvestment in the sports section.

"Journalism at Folha has become, as is the trend, more selective and analytical in all areas and platforms, to deal efficiently with the fierce dispute for readers' attention. The boldness of sports coverage could be noted in maintaining the most influential team of sports columnists in the nation," he pointed out.

Mota recognizes that the elimination in the Copa America merited more attention, but pointed out that the newspaper recovered during the week with the news about the dismissal of coach Dunga and his replacement by Tite.

Naief Haddad, the sports editor, explained that the print version gives priority to teams in São Paulo and on the website there is wider reach.

"It's natural that during the months which precede the biggest sports event in the world, the editors of the sports section, in the print and online versions, be more diversified with more reports about other sports and not only soccer."

Folha needs to reformulate its plans for sports coverage. The small space requires bets, surveys and audacity to prepare its team and narrative, in the print and online versions.

The first Olympics in South America is a challenge and risk for a newspaper which has in its history great coverage of World Cups, with graphic boldness, surprising coverage and critical approaches in an environment dominated by jingoism.

PAYING NO ATTENTION TO SANTOS

The current champion in São Paulo state, Santos, is the second team for many fans. They still carry lots of memories for the team of Pelé, who represented Brazil to the whole world. Readers complain that the newspaper gives less attention to Santos than Corinthians, São Paulo and Palmeiras, even ignoring the results of games. There is no way to deny that.

The sports editor, Naief Haddad, asserts that Santos "has the fourth-biggest fan base in São Paulo. This factor is considered to define visibility, together with others such as featuring the team in the championship and proximity to decisions and changes in the team or manager."

Translated by JOHN WRIGHT

Read the article in the original language