Iowa media fighting amongst themselves

[MeetTheFerentzes]

I have a feeling Chad will delete his tweet once he learns David Eickholt of 24/7 is having some mental health issues and therefore was unable to travel to Orlando. In case Chad does delete it, this is what Chad posted at 3:51 pm CT on Dec 28: "Only 4 writers were here today for open practice & Hawkeye interviews: Scott Dochterman (the Athletic), Tom Kakert (On3), John Steppe (the Gazette) and myself (Register/Press Citizen). Some TV, too. Been a pretty intimate media gathering thus far in Orlando."

Tom Kakert then chimed in. Tom is very thin skinned and does not like David Eickholt of 24/7. Why? Probably because David is young, has a big following and because Tom has lost subscribers to 24/7. I am sure there are other reasons. Tom replied to Chad's tweet with a petty comment to the tune of "Some of us are actually at the bowl site covering the bowl game as opposed to covering it from home. Unfortunately we are wired that way." Tom and David obviously monitor what each posts; Tom, after seeing what David posted about his panic attacks, has deleted his petty tweet.

EDIT: This is a screen shot of the now deleted post:

This is not the first time Tom has taken petty shots at David. When the Iowa baseball team was making a run towards the NCAA Tournament last spring, Tom made a comment that his site had been covering the team all season long whereas some reporters had just jumped on the bandwagon. David responded to this and many people called Tom out for being so petty and childish.


David's tweet got cut off but here is the full text:

Because there have been direct shots at me from notable people, I now feel the need to defend myself about why I'm not on-site covering Iowa's bowl game against Tennessee.

Just after Signing Day, I suffered a severe panic attack, which was one of the worst experiences of my life. I took care of what needed to be taken care of and am happy with the steps that have been taken. But I made the difficult decision not to travel to Orlando.

I elected not to tell anyone about my experience including my bosses, Sean Bock, my media colleagues and immediate family. This will be the first they are hearing of it. Instead, I stayed quiet and wanted to focus on my work while I take care of myself.

I have worked every single day extensively because I truly love my job, the athletes/coaches I cover and the fans. I never wanted to make this public, but unfortunately, due to the nature of my line of work, my hand was forced.

Be kind, spread joy to others and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. People are good and they want to help.

Gee, I had no idea that Kakert was an insecure, petty little prick...LOL

 

[ottumwan in tx]

I don't know much about panic attacks and such, but if somebody is going thru something like that then I generally wish them well , hope they get thru it ok.

 

[Franisdaman]

I don't know much about panic attacks and such, but if somebody is going thru something like that then I generally wish them well , hope they get thru it ok.

me either. I googled it and it is another thing that goes wrong with the brain.

Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms

Information about panic disorder, including common signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how to find help.

www.nimh.nih.gov

 

[DBQ Hawk]

What led to Harty being let go? Just jot enough of a budget?

I ran across this website that has circulation figures for every paper in Iowa (https://inanews.com/find-iowa-newspaper), and it was eye-opening:

CR Gazette 21,833
Des Moines register 28,578
IC Press Citizen 3,628
DBQ Telegraph Herald 13, 945 (not too bad--considering)

I mean, these are staggeringly low numbers. I'd be surprised if hardly any of the major Iowa papers sends reporters out of state to events on a regular basis anymore. There's a reason only 4 Iowa reporters were there, and it's not because anyone is lazy

It's because there's no money in the industry to send anyone else. On a precautionary note: please don't derail the thread with theories on the decline of newspapers, because this will get irretrievably political in no-time. Just accept that it is real

 

[LukaDuka]

This is really a thread of either a pissing contest or pillow fight. Who cares...

 

[madmax1191]

You really needed to ask why Pat Hardly was let go? Have you ever listened to him? Read his boring and ignorant articles? He was and is awful. Referring to him as sports journalist is equivalent to opening a can of ravioli, putting it in the microwave and calling yourself a chef.

 

[jhawk23]

I have a feeling Chad will delete his tweet once he learns David Eickholt of 24/7 is having some mental health issues and therefore was unable to travel to Orlando. In case Chad does delete it, this is what Chad posted at 3:51 pm CT on Dec 28: "Only 4 writers were here today for open practice & Hawkeye interviews: Scott Dochterman (the Athletic), Tom Kakert (On3), John Steppe (the Gazette) and myself (Register/Press Citizen). Some TV, too. Been a pretty intimate media gathering thus far in Orlando."

Tom Kakert then chimed in. Tom is very thin skinned and does not like David Eickholt of 24/7. Why? Probably because David is young, has a big following and because Tom has lost subscribers to 24/7. I am sure there are other reasons. Tom replied to Chad's tweet with a petty comment to the tune of "Some of us are actually at the bowl site covering the bowl game as opposed to covering it from home. Unfortunately we are wired that way." Tom and David obviously monitor what each posts; Tom, after seeing what David posted about his panic attacks, has deleted his petty tweet.

EDIT: This is a screen shot of the now deleted post:

This is not the first time Tom has taken petty shots at David. When the Iowa baseball team was making a run towards the NCAA Tournament last spring, Tom made a comment that his site had been covering the team all season long whereas some reporters had just jumped on the bandwagon. David responded to this and many people called Tom out for being so petty and childish.


David's tweet got cut off but here is the full text:

Because there have been direct shots at me from notable people, I now feel the need to defend myself about why I'm not on-site covering Iowa's bowl game against Tennessee.

Just after Signing Day, I suffered a severe panic attack, which was one of the worst experiences of my life. I took care of what needed to be taken care of and am happy with the steps that have been taken. But I made the difficult decision not to travel to Orlando.

I elected not to tell anyone about my experience including my bosses, Sean Bock, my media colleagues and immediate family. This will be the first they are hearing of it. Instead, I stayed quiet and wanted to focus on my work while I take care of myself.

I have worked every single day extensively because I truly love my job, the athletes/coaches I cover and the fans. I never wanted to make this public, but unfortunately, due to the nature of my line of work, my hand was forced.

Be kind, spread joy to others and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. People are good and they want to help.

This post is 100% spot on. Chad would never intentionally stir something like this up and that was not the intent of his post. It was Kakert’s petty response, which is part of a long running beef between Kakert and Eickholt. It’s got to be awkward whenever the two cross paths on the beat, which has to be pretty often.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

This post is 100% spot on. Chad would never intentionally stir something like this up and that was not the intent of his post. It was Kakert’s petty response, which is part of a long running beef between Kakert and Eickholt. It’s got to be awkward whenever the two cross paths on the beat, which has to be pretty often.

I never was really aware what all went on when this place changed from rivals to go iowa awesome {or whatever heppened } and kakert was out, did all this happen back then?

 

[ISUBryceC]

I mean this sincerely I don’t think people need to cover these events for the most part. When was the last time a coach said anything interesting at a press conference?

 

[GoB1G]

What led to Harty being let go? Just jot enough of a budget?

Gannett owns the DM Register and IC Press Citizen. I believe in 2014 Gannett decided that all UI sports would be covered from Des Moines, which is Harty’s hometown. Hence Harty’s bitterness and jealousy towards Chad.
Pat was relegated to writing sloppy articles on Hawkfanatic, mispronouncing names on KCJJ and bashing Chad as a homer, sycophant and KF lapdog every chance he gets.

 

[alexhitchens]

Maybe, but I’d also like to hear the response from Harty, Howe, the guys who run this site, and a few others.

They run this site?

 

[HawkPT]

View embedded media

Squid Iowa Media Games

 

[TonyTheTiger.1865]

Panic attack? I could understand a soldier in the front lines of a war, but a sports blogger?

 

[Heathen Raider]

Sorry, maybe not a diet but good luck with the hair transplant. Very young to have that hairline. Must be missing a chromosome

I am the Dog on the Left assclown

 

[GoB1G]

Squid Iowa Media Games

Attention all players…it is now time for the next game. Please enter the game hall…immediately.
Whichever player can walk by a table of free press box food without snarfing it down and devouring it like a starving, grubby bum…wins.


Contestant Harty……..eliminated.

 

[hawkdave007]

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Was Chad's comment a criticism/knock at other journalists, or a knock on editors and budget-keepers at various publications who won't pay or literally cannot afford to pay for the writers to travel? We should all want these guys to travel to the games, talk to the players and coaches and share their experiences.

Just a friendly reminder to consider premium membership to this fine website to help support quality hawkeye sports journalism 🙂

Like us, these guys also have rent/mortgages, kids, college, food, beer, Christmas gifts, etc to pay for.

 

[TheOven]

I am the Dog on the Left assclown

Sorry, I didn't mean to make fun of your lovers hairline. Wishing you two nothing but the best in your life's journey together.

 

[OILCHECKER]

This post is 100% spot on. Chad would never intentionally stir something like this up and that was not the intent of his post. It was Kakert’s petty response, which is part of a long running beef between Kakert and Eickholt. It’s got to be awkward whenever the two cross paths on the beat, which has to be pretty often.

Apparently it's not that often, with eickholt hiding out in his basement

 

[coorsoriginal02]

me either. I googled it and it is another thing that goes wrong with the brain.

Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms

Information about panic disorder, including common signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how to find help.

www.nimh.nih.gov

It is essentially the inability to cope with life’s stressors. Anxiety.

 

[pistachio1999]

Panic attack? I could understand a soldier in the front lines of a war, but a sports blogger?

Cmon man. Life is hard. You don’t know what he deals with outside work too.

 

[jhawk23]

Apparently it's not that often, with eickholt hiding out in his basement

Ok, Tom

 

[MitchLL]

Panic attack? I could understand a soldier in the front lines of a war, but a sports blogger?

The guy who started Cyclone Fanatic...some Jeremy guy, has publicly stated his mental health issues recently.

Guess it falls under the headline of "stress"?

 

[Roncuba55]

Can I say now... Kakert has always been a Gomer bozo. Dude took everything way too personal and always had made himself seem WAY more important than he was or has been. He was a high school girl in mean girls.

 

[83Hawk]

Was what Chad tweeted really that bad? It sounds like the replies might have been bad.
But Chad’s tweet just seems to say not many media are covering the game.

No, the tweet wasn't bad. But as is usual on social media, there are people who get their panties in a bunch and spout off without thinking.

 

[83Hawk]

I ran across this website that has circulation figures for every paper in Iowa (https://inanews.com/find-iowa-newspaper), and it was eye-opening:

CR Gazette 21,833
Des Moines register 28,578
IC Press Citizen 3,628
DBQ Telegraph Herald 13, 945 (not too bad--considering)

I mean, these are staggeringly low numbers. I'd be surprised if hardly any of the major Iowa papers sends reporters out of state to events on a regular basis anymore. There's a reason only 4 Iowa reporters were there, and it's not because anyone is lazy

It's because there's no money in the industry to send anyone else. On a precautionary note: please don't derail the thread with theories on the decline of newspapers, because this will get irretrievably political in no-time. Just accept that it is real

Yikes! I figured the numbers were low, but not that low.

 

[LetsGoHawks83]

I mean this sincerely I don’t think people need to cover these events for the most part. When was the last time a coach said anything interesting at a press conference?

They definitely don't need to be AT the bowl. Can't some media relations for the UofI setup the zoom meeting for post game coaches meeting remotely?

They can get all the 1 on 1 interviews before the bowl.... Back in Iowa.

 

[DewHawk]

Can I say now... Kakert has always been a Gomer bozo. Dude took everything way too personal and always had made himself seem WAY more important that he was or has been. He was a high school in mean girls

I agree with your comments. Very inflated opinion of himself IMO. Same goes for his bestie Torbee.

 

[jberesford]

It's because there's no money in the industry to send anyone else. On a precautionary note: please don't derail the thread with theories on the decline of newspapers, because this will get irretrievably political in no-time. Just accept that it is real

Ya that's kind of what I thought as well. The media outlets we're talking about here are barely surviving and operating on shoestring budgets. That likely doesn't include paying for a multi day vacation for someone to write about a football game few people care about in the current non playoff bowl realm.

 

[Roncuba55]

It's funny how egotistical some of these journalists are. I mean we can see that from one of the esteemed members of this board. Junior high students do this profession as an extra credit activity after school.

 

[HawkGem11]

That David guy is just a big baby. He wanted to make it about him.

Why? He’s insecure.

Got to love clowns like you with no clue

 

[ISUBryceC]

They definitely don't need to be AT the bowl. Can't some media relations for the UofI setup the zoom meeting for post game coaches meeting remotely?

They can get all the 1 on 1 interviews before the bowl.... Back in Iowa.

Yeah that’s what I meant. With the technology we have there is no reason to send these guys anywhere.

 

[coorsoriginal02]

Got to love clowns like you with no clue

Ok, Hoss.. Sorry to offend you.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

The profession, in general, is full of self important douchebags.

Corrrrrect.......

 

[PubliusNo10]

The profession, in general, is full of self important douchebags.

And Eickholt and Chad L are right at the top of that unenviable list of DBs.

 

[jhawk23]

And Eickholt and Chad L are right at the top of that unenviable list of DBs.

Chad is the polar opposite of a self important DB.

 

[Packer54]

I ran across this website that has circulation figures for every paper in Iowa (https://inanews.com/find-iowa-newspaper), and it was eye-opening:

CR Gazette 21,833
Des Moines register 28,578
IC Press Citizen 3,628
DBQ Telegraph Herald 13, 945 (not too bad--considering)

I mean, these are staggeringly low numbers. I'd be surprised if hardly any of the major Iowa papers sends reporters out of state to events on a regular basis anymore. There's a reason only 4 Iowa reporters were there, and it's not because anyone is lazy

It's because there's no money in the industry to send anyone else. On a precautionary note: please don't derail the thread with theories on the decline of newspapers, because this will get irretrievably political in no-time. Just accept that it is real

Wow!!

So "incoming dumb question"...are these total circulation numbers (on line and print)? Staggering numbers.

 

[ICWestfan]

I ran across this website that has circulation figures for every paper in Iowa (https://inanews.com/find-iowa-newspaper), and it was eye-opening:

CR Gazette 21,833
Des Moines register 28,578
IC Press Citizen 3,628
DBQ Telegraph Herald 13, 945 (not too bad--considering)

I mean, these are staggeringly low numbers. I'd be surprised if hardly any of the major Iowa papers sends reporters out of state to events on a regular basis anymore. There's a reason only 4 Iowa reporters were there, and it's not because anyone is lazy

It's because there's no money in the industry to send anyone else. On a precautionary note: please don't derail the thread with theories on the decline of newspapers, because this will get irretrievably political in no-time. Just accept that it is real

Is that just print or does that include online versions?

 

[FranisnottheMan]

You are 100% correct sir!

 

[FranisnottheMan]

Chad is the polar opposite of a self important DB.

Is it true Chad has UofIowa vanity plates on his car?

 

[PubliusNo10]

Chad is the polar opposite of a self important DB.

He did write an article calling the state of Iowa racist. DB.