Discontent among fans as ESPN recruits high-profile personality who previously generated a million dollars on Snapchat during significant revamping of the network
In a move that has sparked controversy, ESPN has signed TikTok star Katie Feeney to create content across their social and digital channels. Feeney, a 22-year-old influencer with over 14 million followers, is best known for her short-form videos that blend fashion, culture, and lifestyle with sports coverage.
The hire is part of ESPN's shift towards a more digital strategy, aiming to target a younger demographic and boost their social and digital presence. This move has received backlash from some fans and commentators, who feel that ESPN is moving away from its journalistic roots to chase trends in digital media and influencer marketing.
Critics argue that Feeney's lack of deep traditional sports reporting credentials makes her an unsuitable fit for a respected sports network like ESPN. They fear that the network is prioritizing social media influence and personality over traditional sports journalism experience. This sentiment was echoed by one fan who commented that ESPN is going to become to sports what MTV is to music.
However, ESPN values Feeney's massive social media following and fresh approach to content creation. Her success on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat demonstrates her ability to engage with a younger audience, a key demographic for ESPN. In February 2021, Feeney made over a million dollars posting on Snapchat, and she amassed two million followers on TikTok in 2020.
Feeney's career has involved multiple jobs as she continues to grow online. In 2022, she was hired as the social media correspondent for the NFL's Washington Commanders. Later in the same year, she became the White House social media reporter for AKSM media. Feeney enrolled at Penn State University in the fall of 2021, studying Broadcast Journalism, indicating a commitment to furthering her skills in traditional journalism.
ESPN's decision to hire Feeney was likely calculated, believing there is an appetite for the content she can create despite the initial backlash. The network's strategy to modernize its audience engagement by blending sports coverage with influencer culture has supporters as well as detractors. While some prefer established sports journalists, others welcome the fresh perspective that influencers like Feeney bring to sports reporting.
In conclusion, the backlash against ESPN's hire of Katie Feeney is a reflection of the ongoing debate about the future of sports journalism. As traditional media outlets adapt to the digital age, they must balance the need for experienced journalists with the appeal of influencers who can reach younger audiences. Whether this move signals a shift towards prioritizing social media influence or a strategic move to engage with a new generation of sports fans remains to be seen.
[1] ESPN hires TikTok star Katie Feeney [2] Katie Feeney's rise to fame on TikTok [3] The future of sports journalism: ESPN's hire of Katie Feeney [4] Katie Feeney's million-dollar earnings on Snapchat [5] The backlash against ESPN's hire of Katie Feeney
- Katie Feeney, a popular influencer known for her sports coverage on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat, has been signed by ESPN to create content across their social and digital channels.
- Feeney's success on TikTok resulted in her making over a million dollars in February 2021, and she amassed two million followers on the platform in 2020.
- ESPN's decision to hire Katie Feeney is part of their strategy to adapt to the digital age, targeting a younger demographic and boosting their social and digital presence.
- Critics argue that Feeney lacks deep traditional sports reporting credentials and may not be a suitable fit for a respected sports network like ESPN.
- The NFL's Washington Commanders hired Feeney as their social media correspondent in 2022, and she later became the White House social media reporter for AKSM media, indicating a venturing into traditional journalism.
