Celtic Football Club has been at the forefront of embracing fan media outlets, allowing them to participate in media conferences alongside traditional journalists. This approach has sparked debate, with some questioning the legitimacy of fan media in these settings. Jim White, a TalkSPORT presenter, expressed his skepticism about fan media being allowed to ask questions alongside professional journalists.
Celtic’s Fan Media Policy
- Rotating Basis: Celtic FC operates a rotation policy, allowing various fan media outlets to attend pre-match and post-match media conferences.
- Access to Manager and Players: Fan media representatives have direct access to the manager, Ange Postecoglou, and first-team players, enabling them to ask questions and gather insights.
- Diverse Representation: This approach provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, potentially offering more nuanced and informed discussions about the club ¹ ².
Benefits and Concerns
- Increased Engagement: Fan media outlets can reach a large audience, benefiting Celtic FC by communicating with a broader fan base.
- Professionalism: As long as fan media representatives maintain a level of professionalism, their presence can enhance the media conference experience.
- Legitimacy: Some, like Jim White, question the legitimacy of fan media in these settings, citing concerns about their expertise and potential biases.
Future of Fan Media
- Growing Influence: The rise of YouTube and podcasts has given more legitimacy to non-traditional forms of football media and journalism.
- Adaptation: Clubs like Celtic FC are adapting to this shift by incorporating fan media into their communication strategies ¹ ³.
