What's up with NST?

**Galen Sevinne** · 01-28-2008, 01:16 PM

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.

Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

**Rochardrik** · 01-28-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Galen Sevinne

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.

Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

It SEEMS like it's just here lately. I responded to his blog about McPhail lying, or Adam Jones lying. It's people like him... any reporter really, in an effort to scoop the other reporters, that cause GMs, etc to lie. They won't shut up and allow the deal to happen. Then they cry like babies.. he lied to me! He lied to me. And then they expect US to be all up in arms, like they are... Don't they understand? Reporters are a necessary EVIL...it's not about THEM!!!!!!

**HoustonRaven** · 01-28-2008, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by Galen Sevinne

I used to like reading the blogs there but everyting these days is about how these guys feel like they are being lied to all the time. Fist it was Bisciotti that "lied" to them about Billick being safe and then fired. Every other blog is now accusing Bisciotti of making all the decisions and how the Ravens are like the Orioles now and Bisciotti is the second coming of Angelos. Just don't see that.

Now there is a blog about McPhail again "lying" to them about the Bedard trade. If you don't think Bedard is going to be traded then where have you been all year? I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.

Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

NST is the perfect example of that shock media.

Do or say whatever to get listeners and to hell with ethics or that pesky thing called the truth.

**festivus** · 01-28-2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

NST is the perfect example of that shock media.

Do or say whatever to get listeners and to hell with ethics or that pesky thing called the truth.

Houston, do you listen all that often? I think I remember you live in Texas. . . I don't think you're right, and I listen all the time.

The different personalities have widely different takes on many subjects, and they obviously spend a lot of effort, in the form of warm bodies at the facilities, trying to get real information.

Concerning your comment about 'ethics', they absolutely sit on stuff until they get confirmation, unlike some other local media outlets, which run with whatever stupid stuff they hear and later get embarrassed when it turns out they were wrong. . .

Responding to Galen, I can understand them being miffed recently. They, like everybody else, were lied to about the future of Brian Billick. So I would expect their tone to reflect what they have now learned about the Ravens operations: they are no longer above that kind of deception (or whimsy, select one or both).

**ravensfan1996** · 01-28-2008, 02:37 PM

I agree, the NST seems like a bunch of whiners lately.

Its great to have a locally owned, all local sports radio programming. Without it, we are stuck with national news and the once and awhile sports shows on wbal, and the 1300 espn radio that has some local shows but mostly national shows. Its nice to have around the clock local sports news and talk.

That being said they need stop whining, many people and fans including me are getting tired and turned off by it. If you keep whining, not only do the fans get fed up, but the ravens and orioles organizations will tend to not give you inside information after awhile. Why be nice if you are going to whine about it. Be nice to the hand that feeds you.

**Galen Sevinne** · 01-28-2008, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by festivus

Responding to Galen, I can understand them being miffed recently. They, like everybody else, were lied to about the future of Brian Billick. So I would expect their tone to reflect what they have now learned about the Ravens operations: they are no longer above that kind of deception (or whimsy, select one or both).

I don't feel like I was lied to so I wouldn't say "everybody else". I like wsnt and feel like it is an asset to baltimore sports. Lately though the blogs have become unbearable to read because there is no objectivity in their approach. Read the responses to the blogs...many people feel the same way and day after day it continues about feeling "lied' to.

McPhail and Bisciotti need to do what is right for these teams and if that means witholding information than so be it. If you feel like you are being lied to, you need to reasses your importance in this whole thing. Let go of the ego and write about sports.

**HoustonRaven** · 01-28-2008, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by festivus

Houston, do you listen all that often? I think I remember you live in Texas. . . I don't think you're right, and I listen all the time.

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it? But to your point, no I stopped listening about a year ago for the same reasons I dont read Preston all that much anymore. More often then not, they are wrong on their info and as far as their on-air talent, it's quite lacking. It's overly-sensationalized with gossip, rumor and inuendo. Not to say ESPN 1300 is any better -- they seem to do the same thing. When they start naming sources (something Steve Davis on WBAL is very good at doing), I will give them another try.

Originally Posted by festivus

The different personalities have widely different takes on many subjects, and they obviously spend a lot of effort, in the form of warm bodies at the facilities, trying to get real information.

Having a warm body at 1 Winning Drive doesnt equal effective journalism (See Anita Marks).

Originally Posted by festivus

Concerning your comment about 'ethics', they absolutely sit on stuff until they get confirmation, unlike some other local media outlets, which run with whatever stupid stuff they hear and later get embarrassed when it turns out they were wrong. . .

They report anything and everything, hoping it all sticks -- especially their comments about the Ravens FO. Without saying one source, they accuse everyone in that FO of lying. Im sure sometimes they are right, but that goes to my point. Throw enough crap on the wall and its bound to stick sometimes. Or maybe the right analogy would be the blind squirrel? Not sure which -- maybe both.

With that said, I dont blame them for what they do. They are the upstart (well, not counting their failed go at it back in 1999), trying to make a name for themselves. They are run by radio amateurs so they are learning as they go (and I give them credit for their success thus far). But Nestor lost a lot of props from me when he overstated the number of people at the Detroit game and his Free the Birds outing. While well intended and something I agree with, him overstating the actual numbers of people protesting was sour to me. THAT along with "everyone is a liar at 1 winning drive" theory is what I am refering to when I say ethics are lacking at NST.

**highwater** · 01-28-2008, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Galen Sevinne

I don't know, I used to like reading nst stuff but lately it is a really lacking a professional slant.
Anyone else notice this recent trend or has it always been about personal feelings?

I don't read the NST blogs so I can't really comment on that, but my impression of Nestor from hearing him on the radio is that it is very much about personal feelings and not very professional. I like Drew and Bob and think they are very good, but Nestor comes across like a blowhard way too much. It's always very personal with him. I don't think this is different from how they've been for years.

**highwater** · 01-28-2008, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it?

"Steaming audio?" Frediuan slip, Houston?

**HoustonRaven** · 01-28-2008, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by highwater

"Steaming audio?" Frediuan slip, Houston?

buhahahaha .... quite possible! I will leave that gaff up.

**braven98** · 01-28-2008, 04:17 PM

It worked they got you talking about them

**HoustonRaven** · 01-28-2008, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by braven98

It worked they got you talking about them

Talking about a radio station doesnt translate into ratings and not their ultimate goal.

Speaking of good ratings, WBAL just announced it will get 4 more years of being the official Ravens station.

**tanman1125** · 01-29-2008, 05:48 AM

I have been thinking the same things recently. I didn't mind listening to them because some of there reports did have some good insight. But know, everything they have to say is negative about the Ravens and the Orioles. While the Orioles deserve some of it, the Ravens certainly don't deserve much. About the whole blog about MacPhail lying to us, if he had lied all he said was the trade hadn't happened yet, and as of 6:46 am on Tuesday, it hasn't happened. Don't really see how that is considered lying.

I for one am excited about the Ravens this season even if they go 6-10 I still think they will be exciting to watch unlike the last few season where they have been boring! And I don't feel anything the front office has done deserves the comparison to Petey Pete. A change was needed and a change was made, now its time for our vocal players to step up and prove that is was the coach and the system that was in place otherwise they are next!

**ravensfan1996** · 01-29-2008, 06:06 AM

I think the problem is wnst is taking it "personal" like its being done to just them.....but the seattle paper, espn, other sports outlets all reported is just about a done deal. All should have realized Sneaky Pete might just step in. Maybe they should just report now when they have a source " the deal is about done barring pete's approval" then everyone would know its not a done deal!

WNST has to realize they are looking bad whining, you dont see ESPN whining about being "lied" too, they just report what they hear. The orioles deserve some negativity after the YEARS of being dysfunctional, the Ravens on the other hand have been nothing but a stellar front office since they came 1996, if they had 5 straight years of front office problems, then maybe, but come on already. talk sports, support your home town teams but of course dont be a homer about it.

**festivus** · 01-29-2008, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

It's called steaming audio, maybe you've heard of it?

I have heard of it. I know they have it. I also guessed correctly you don't listen, as you confessed, and my question did not call for sarcasm on your part.

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

But to your point, no I stopped listening about a year ago for the same reasons I dont read Preston all that much anymore. More often then not, they are wrong on their info

You make a lot of general comments like this, and I suppose as opinions you are entitled to them. But their info is right, pretty much always, as anyone who actually listens to the station knows.

You are entitled to your opinion, even if you never listen to the station.

**bmorefan83** · 01-29-2008, 09:14 AM

Without sounding like an ESPN apologist, which I know this will inevitably come off as, I would like to make one point. Everyone saying that at least NST has someone on the ground actually reporting FACT unlike other local radio stations. Case in point, the McAlister knee injury. When Anita Marks reported that CMac hurt his knee and would be out 6-8 weeks, everyone jumped all over her. Well, low and behold, he was injured, and everyone that was talking smack wound up with egg on their face. So really, we have to take all of the radio with a grain of salt. But NST, and more specifically Nestor, has taken the most offensive stance, and it has been a topic of conversation fairly often on the station recently

**HoustonRaven** · 01-29-2008, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by festivus

I have heard of it. I know they have it. I also guessed correctly you don't listen, as you confessed, and my question did not call for sarcasm on your part.

You make a lot of general comments like this, and I suppose as opinions you are entitled to them. But their info is right, pretty much always, as anyone who actually listens to the station knows.

You are entitled to your opinion, even if you never listen to the station.

Mr. Sarcasm himself is somehow troubled about sarcasm directed back at him.

Ratings say it all, my purple-bleeding friend. And thank you for allowing me to be entitled to my opinion.

**HoustonRaven** · 01-29-2008, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by bmorefan83

Without sounding like an ESPN apologist, which I know this will inevitably come off as, I would like to make one point. Everyone saying that at least NST has someone on the ground actually reporting FACT unlike other local radio stations. Case in point, the McAlister knee injury. When Anita Marks reported that CMac hurt his knee and would be out 6-8 weeks, everyone jumped all over her. Well, low and behold, he was injured, and everyone that was talking smack wound up with egg on their face. So really, we have to take all of the radio with a grain of salt. But NST, and more specifically Nestor, has taken the most offensive stance, and it has been a topic of conversation fairly often on the station recently

Local sports radio, like anything consumer-related, is looking for that edge. NST and ESPN are no different so I dont fault them there.

Nestor has drive and a great idea, but his bias gets in the way, IMO. He seems to think since the front office over at Camden Yards is bad, then the FO at 1 Winning Drive must also be bad. I am fine with that actually as long as the show is focused more on the entertainment factor as opposed to being factual.

Where I fault Nestor and the folks over at NST is that rumor and speculation seems to become "facts" in their head and then comes acros as such on their shows. Marks isnt innocent in this either. But to satisfy folks like Festivus, I will give them a weeks-worth of listening again.

That's why I find Steve Davis a breath of fresh air. He will report the same rumor but will say it as such. He is far more responsible with his broadcast. His show on a part-time sports station draws far more listeners than ESPN and NST (combined, I think). A lot of that may have to do with the lead-in from Ron Smith, granted. But the quality of the show is superior, IMO.

**Ravens23** · 01-29-2008, 10:54 AM

I like the radio station (when I can get it tuned it...) but that Web site is a mess. That Web site is a good case study for how NOT to do a Web site.. it is impossible to find anything on there .. TOO MUCH CRAP!!

**OwingsMillsAlex** · 01-29-2008, 12:27 PM

NST's blogs have become personal as of late but it also goes in cycles. Later in the year we'll get the O's vs NST blogs but around those we'll get some good thoughts and opinions on what's going on with the O's and Ravens.

ESPN 1300 needs to dump Anita Marks. Her show is just horrible to listen too. She tries to act cutesy and like "one of the boys" and it comes across as lame and desperate. At times she acts like your buddie's girlfriend who is trying to fit in with the group. She also drops names way too much. I don't care that you used to have dinner with Alex Rodriguez and that you're going to Jonny Ogden's birthday bash. Big woopie! Give me some sports, talk, and opinions on the matter at hand.

Don't give Viviano a free pass either. His show is also hard to listen to as the over opinionated Damon Yaffe opens his mouth one too many times. And I've said for years that Viv can't give the "whole truth" as he'll lose any credibility he has on WJZ and in the locker rooms.

WBAL may have the better signal but Steve Davis, Keith Mills, and Peter Schmuck are horrible to listen to when they do a show together. Steve comes across as smug and many times has the sound of "I'm better then you" in his voice. There is a reason he was demoted from full time to weekends at USA 9 in DC when he took the Head Sports Department position. And this was within three weeks of working there. Schumck is just that. And Keith is a local guy that at times needs to stop trying to be funny and just tell the facts. His jokes, at times, get in the way of the news he's trying to deliver.