Fixing MSG's Mistakes

Buried in the Post this weekend was a very interesting little tidbit on MSG's programming.

Phil Mushnick write in his column that:

"MSG, NY," the nightly catch-all studio show, as well as "Inside the Rangers" and other shows, will be kaput, as of Jan. 1. All were bleeding bucks while registering no ratings. MSG will expand Knicks and Rangers pre and post-game shows.

Cablevision, as always when it loses expensive programming, will pass some of the savings on to subscribers. Sure it will.

While I am slightly saddened because a friend of mine will lose some freelance work, the demise of "MSG, NY" and "Inside the Rangers" has been long coming. Both shows royally stunk, which is why the ratings were so bad.

I pointed out how poor "MSG, NY" was eight months ago and will not shed a tear now that its gone. It was a poor concept from the start. In this day and age where there is so many tools available to test show concepts before they go to air, I am just curious why the MSG bigwigs didn't use any of them before flushing so much money down the tubes. Music updates are great. Sports highlights are great. Together? Not so great. Not even so good. Actually ... really, really bad. The show had no flow and was a public relations vehicle for the Garden's properties rather than an actual news show.

And the same goes for "Inside the Rangers." Instead of being an actual look inside the locker room, it was a glossy advertisement. Rarely was there any candor from the players, everything seemed droll and rehearsed. Sure there was a gem or two, but overall it was frankly boring. And, let's face it, the host, Scott Lasky, was a tool. This show could have been great - look at Islanders Insider on MSG-Plus - but instead it was a benign, boring commercial for the team.

On the other side of the coin, MSG has done pretty well to address the need for a good hockey show with its "Hockey Night Live" panel program. I don't necessarily agree with the folks on the panel - Ron Duguay, Ken Daneyko and Butch Goring - but the concept is a good one. I just ask that they remove part-time host Deb Placey from it as she clearly acts the fool most of the time and is known to many as more of a puck bunny than a journalist. No complaints about Al Trautwig, as he does a solid job. He knows what he is talking about and when he doesn't, he admits it and asks the smart questions that other fans like himself would be asking.

Mushnick joked that the savings from these cuts would be passed on to the customers but even if a small portion was used to improve the actual game broadcasts and the pre- and post-game shows, then this is a win-win situation. The production folks who work on-site at the games know what they are doing and it shows. The only negative side is more face time for Joe Micheletti; perhaps he will go in the next wave of network cuts and Dave Maloney can take his spot in the booth.

One can only hope ...

Many thanks to my friend Greg for pointing out the Post piece; I would have totally missed it.

ChatGPT

Title: Fixing MSG's Mistakes: A Path to Redemption

Introduction

Madison Square Garden (MSG) is an iconic venue with a rich history in the world of sports and entertainment. However, like any institution, it has had its fair share of missteps and controversies over the years. In this article, we'll explore some of MSG's notable mistakes, examine their impact, and discuss potential avenues for redemption.

I. The Penn Station Debacle

MSG's original location, at the site of the historic Pennsylvania Station, was torn down in the 1960s, a move many consider a grave architectural and urban planning mistake. The grandeur of the old Penn Station was replaced by an underground transportation hub and an above-ground arena. The loss of this architectural gem still resonates with New Yorkers today.

Impact: The demolition of Penn Station left a scar on New York City's architectural legacy, leading to a greater appreciation for preserving historic structures.

Redemption: While the original Penn Station cannot be resurrected, MSG can invest in public spaces and art installations around its vicinity to honor the site's history and provide a more inviting atmosphere for visitors.

II. Ticket Pricing and Accessibility

MSG has faced criticism for ticket pricing, often making events inaccessible to average fans. The high cost of attending games and concerts has led to concerns about exclusivity and a lack of diversity among attendees.

Impact: High ticket prices limit access to MSG events for many New Yorkers, contributing to a perception of elitism and exclusivity.

Redemption: MSG could implement pricing strategies that accommodate a wider range of fans, such as tiered pricing based on seating sections or offering discounted tickets to local schools and community organizations.

III. The Charles Oakley Incident

In 2017, a high-profile altercation between former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley and MSG security personnel resulted in Oakley's arrest and subsequent ban from the arena. The incident drew negative attention and raised questions about MSG's handling of former players.

Impact: The Oakley incident damaged MSG's reputation, with fans and players expressing frustration over the treatment of a beloved former player.

Redemption: To rectify this situation, MSG could publicly reconcile with Charles Oakley, involve him in community and player engagement initiatives, and ensure respectful treatment of former players and fans.

IV. Insufficient Investment in the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks, one of the NBA's most storied franchises, have endured a lengthy period of underperformance. MSG's perceived lack of investment in the team has frustrated fans and hampered the franchise's competitiveness.

Impact: The Knicks' struggles have alienated fans, resulting in declining attendance and a diminished fan experience.

Redemption: MSG could commit to a long-term plan for the Knicks, investing in player development, coaching, and front-office leadership to rebuild the team's reputation and competitiveness.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How can MSG address its historical mistakes while embracing the future?

A1: By acknowledging its past missteps and actively working to rectify them, MSG can demonstrate a commitment to a more inclusive and fan-friendly future.

Q2: What steps can MSG take to enhance fan experiences?

A2: MSG can improve fan experiences by addressing ticket pricing, engaging with the community, and investing in the success of its sports franchises.

Q3: Can MSG regain its reputation as a beloved New York institution?

A3: Yes, MSG has the potential to regain its status as a beloved New York institution by making amends for past mistakes, embracing diversity, and prioritizing the fan experience.

VI. Conclusion

Madison Square Garden is a symbol of New York City, but it is not without its flaws and missteps. By recognizing its mistakes, making amends, and prioritizing inclusivity and fan engagement, MSG can embark on a path to redemption. Ultimately, it has the opportunity to regain its status as a beloved and iconic institution in the heart of the Big Apple.