In the world of sports media, few shows have sparked as much debate and criticism as ESPN's "First Take". As the show has grown into a behemoth, it has become a lightning rod for those who decry the state of sports television. But what many critics fail to realize is that their disdain for "First Take" often extends to its audience, particularly its Black viewers. In this article, I will explore the complex relationship between "First Take", its critics, and its audience, and offer my own perspective on why the show has become such a polarizing force in sports media.
The Rise of "First Take" and the Critics
"First Take" has become the biggest show on sports television, and with that success has come criticism. Many attribute the show's sensibility as a root cause for the decline of sports talk shows on TV. The return of Skip Bayless to the show last week provided an opportunity for these critics to voice their displeasure once again. However, what many critics fail to acknowledge is that their disdain for "First Take" often extends to its audience, particularly its Black viewers.
The Critics' Misunderstanding
Bomani Jones, a former ESPNer, offers a defense of "First Take" and its audience. He argues that the criticism toward the show often veers into criticism of the audience, which is to say regular people with their televisions on during the day and, in the case of "First Take", a large subset of Black viewers. Jones believes that the show has "earned" plenty of criticism, but also that its hosts, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, earned the popularity that the show had at its peak.
The Show's Influence
"First Take" has evolved into more of a vehicle for Smith, which often means it is looser and goofier. At the same time, the rest of the media has taken a cue from the show. From Fox News and CNN to your favorite local radio show or sports podcast, the blueprint that Smith and Bayless laid is one of the primary blueprints for all of media these days. Despite the clear issues that this presents for news consumption and national discourse, Jones offers a reminder that the show is still successful in spite of what it might represent.
The Power of "First Take"
Jones argues that the show's success lies in the fact that it is still successful in spite of what it might represent. He believes that the show's ability to engage and entertain its audience, particularly its Black viewers, is a testament to its power. In the end, "First Take" is a show that has become a polarizing force in sports media, but its influence and relevance cannot be denied.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the criticism of "First Take" often extends to its audience, particularly its Black viewers. While the show may have its flaws, it has become a powerful force in sports media, and its influence and relevance cannot be denied. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how "First Take" continues to evolve and shape the landscape of sports media.
