I wouldn't say that I have done a 180 on Francis, but I think he is vastly improved in professionalism. I don't read his articles, so perhaps I just missed them, but from what is posted on here, I haven't seen much of what made me hate him as a journalist. He was a great example of where journalism overall was headed - fake news, clickbait-oriented articles that dumbed people down more than enlightened. That's my opinion anyway. I haven't seen much - if any - of that for a while, so I find myself not hating him any longer.
It is the same thing with Dreger. I think he was the only guy I hated on at TSN, but now I find him likable and rather reliable now. Lebrun is still ahead of him for me, and of course he is yards back from where McKenzie was at any time in McKenzie's career.
I like Parker, and it certainly looked like the Flames were doing a great job grooming him for something. I expect he will fit in very well. I wonder who takes over for Parker? If I had a say, I would offer Cami Kepke the job. I have no idea what else she is doing, but I she is one of the best 'voices for the game' (don't how how else to say it). Some of the ex women's players just don't have the voice or cadence that I enjoy listening to (and I am not taking any shots at anyone - I was actually always generally supportive of Cassie Campbell, for instance), and remind me of having to sit through Rob Kerr broadcasts. I think Cami has a great voice, and she is great verbally (doesn't make mistakes, forms opinions and thoughts quickly without saying 'uhh' or being repetitive, etc) and seems very knowledgeable. She is the kind of personality that the Flames should be targeting, in my opinion. I wonder who else would be a great replacement for Parker to start grooming for when Parker gets poached by another team?
|