George Vecsey to Aspiring Sports Journalists: Do Something Else

George Vecsey recently took a buyout from The New York Times, so he’s got some time on his hands. And with plenty of wisdom gained over the many years working in journalism, he’s a great source for insight into that world.

However, according to an interview he did with Bill Lucey, that world is dying. When Lucey asked what advice he would give to aspiring sports journalists, Vecsey replied, “Seriously? Minor in something else. This business is slipping. There may not be much future for the kind of sports column I did.” Great! That’ll keep the kids aiming for the skies!

Vecsey wasn’t done there. Since he already crapped on his profession, he decided to cast a gloomy shadow over the future of newspapers, too. When Lucey asked how optimistic he was about newspapers, Vecsey didn’t hold back.

“Not [optimisitc]. Newspapers are the engines that drive the web,” Vecsey said. “Without editors planning assignments and copy editors fixing mistakes, reporters quickly deteriorate into underwear guys writing blogs from their den.”

At least he called us guys and not boys.

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