Sports – mackaycartoons

Thursday September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 19, 2024

Rogers’ Acquisition Will Cement Its Control—But What About the Fans?

Rogers Communications’ push to consolidate its control over Toronto’s sports scene has many fans questioning the implications. If this deal goes through, Rogers will control a significant chunk of the city’s sports and entertainment landscape, with wide-ranging impacts that extend far beyond the stadiums. The move raises concerns about whether the company’s priorities lie with building winning teams or simply maximizing profits.

July 12, 2022

Rogers already owns 37.5% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which gives it partial control over the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS). However, with this acquisition, Rogers is poised to increase its stake, potentially taking more ownership or influencing decisions over these teams and the venues they play in. MLSE alone is a massive conglomerate, responsible for the Leafs, Raptors, and Toronto FC, as well as the operations of Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, and the OVO Athletic Centre, to name just a few.

Add to that Rogers’ full ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays and their home, the Rogers Centre, and you have a near-monopoly over the city’s professional sports franchises. Rogers’ influence on both the Blue Jays and MLSE effectively grants them a stranglehold over Toronto’s biggest sports markets. This means control over ticket prices, broadcasting rights, and merchandising—further commercializing what many fans already feel is an overly corporate sports scene.

News: Rogers buys BCE’s stake in MLSE for $4.7-billion

November 27, 2013

If the deal is approved, Rogers will join the ranks of the world’s largest sports and entertainment conglomerates. Globally, it will be positioned alongside other corporate giants like Comcast (which owns NBCUniversal, the Philadelphia Flyers, and part of the Philadelphia 76ers), Liberty Media (owner of Formula 1 and the Atlanta Braves), and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp (owners of the New York Knicks and Rangers). Rogers would become one of the most powerful sports owners on the planet, with reach into all major North American sports leagues except the NFL.

May 2, 2023

But what does this mean for fans? Many already feel that ticket prices, parking fees, and concessions are becoming prohibitive. Reader comments from a Toronto Star piece on the city’s sports scene highlight the frustration: “Paid $140 for a mediocre seat at a Jay’s game… with parking and minimal food and drink purchases, we still managed to spend close to a hundred bucks.” With Rogers now poised to gain even more control, fans fear that prices will continue to rise while the on-field product stagnates.

Toronto fans, already paying top dollar to watch teams that rarely deliver championships, worry that Rogers’ acquisition will push sports further into elitist territory. As one commenter put it, “The franchises become ever more elitist cashboxes.” It’s hard to shake the feeling that Rogers sees these teams as vehicles for profit rather than sources of pride for a city that craves a championship legacy.

Analysis: Playoff failures, rising ticket prices, frustrated fans. How did we get here? An inside look at Toronto’s miserable sports scene

March 19, 2021

Rogers’ track record with the Blue Jays is far from reassuring. As one Star reader pointed out, the Blue Jays are seen as a “marketing circus” rather than a serious baseball contender. Despite having one of the top payrolls in Major League Baseball, the Jays remain a middling team, unable to capitalize on their resources and fan support. Similar concerns loom over the Raptors and Leafs, who, despite their market size and wealth, have consistently fallen short of their potential.

This acquisition cements Rogers as one of the most powerful forces in sports. The question now is whether this dominance will be used to deliver championships or simply to maximize profits. Toronto fans, who have been let down time and time again, have every reason to be cynical. Until the focus shifts from corporate gain to winning on the field, the city’s sports scene will remain a frustrating landscape of high costs and low returns. For a city that deserves better, this acquisition feels like more of the same. (AI)

Friday August 16, 2024

August 16, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday August 16, 2024

A Lament for a Vanishing Medium

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

The decline of AM radio and traditional local media erodes vital community engagement, diverse cultural representation, accurate news coverage, and job opportunities, leaving society adrift in a landscape increasingly dominated by misinformation and fragmented digital platforms.

April 9, 2012

As automakers like Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Tesla phase out AM radios from their new vehicles, a cornerstone of American life teeters on the brink of obsolescence. The removal of AM radio from cars signifies more than just a shift in technology; it marks the erosion of a key medium that has been the voice of local communities for nearly a century. This change is part of a broader trend that is seeing traditional centralized sources of information—radio, television, and daily newspapers—being eclipsed by the vast, decentralized world of the internet. While this transition is exciting in its promise of innovation, it leaves us to grapple with the profound implications of losing a vital source of local information.

The recent closure of WCBS Newsradio 880 is a stark illustration of this trend. For nearly 60 years, WCBS was a bastion of all-news radio, providing reliable updates and in-depth coverage of local and national events. Its impending shutdown, as Audacy shifts its focus to sports programming, highlights the financial and operational challenges facing traditional news formats. Despite being a top-billing station, WCBS’s inability to survive in the current media climate underscores the fragility of established media outlets in the face of evolving consumer preferences and technological changes.

News: What the Demise of WCBS Newsradio 880 Says About the Future of All-News Radio

October 4, 2013

Similarly, the shuttering of CHML in Hamilton, Ontario, this week, further exemplifies this shift. CHML’s departure from the airwaves represented the loss of a local institution that had served the community for decades. This move not only deprived listeners of a trusted source of local news but also contributed to the growing phenomenon of news deserts, where local information becomes scarce and harder to access.

News: 900 CHML closes, ending nearly a century of local radio in Hamilton

The loss of local radio is emblematic of a broader issue: the decline of traditional media outlets that have long served as the backbone of local news. Daily newspapers and local TV stations, once staples of American households, have been supplanted by a plethora of online sources, often leading to news deserts—areas with little to no access to reliable local news coverage. This shift has significant consequences for public accountability, as fewer local journalists are available to cover city council meetings, school board decisions, and other vital civic matters.

As we navigate these uncharted waters, society appears to be adrift, struggling to find its bearings in a rapidly changing media landscape. The evolution from centralized traditional media to a decentralized digital world is fraught with challenges. Job losses in journalism and broadcasting have been significant, leading to uncertainty about the future of local information. In the absence of robust local media, rumours, confusion, and misinformation can spread unchecked, undermining the very fabric of our communities.

Essay: End of a love affair: AM radio is being removed from many cars

June 9, 2022

The excitement of the digital revolution is undeniable. It has democratized information, giving voice to the previously unheard and connecting us in ways that were once unimaginable. However, this progress comes at a cost. Little has emerged to fully replace the comprehensive coverage and local accountability that traditional media provided. As a result, we find ourselves in a precarious position where the loss of local radio and other traditional media forms threatens the cohesion and informed nature of our society.

In this moment of transition, it is crucial to reflect on what we stand to lose and what we must do to preserve the integrity of local information. Efforts to save local radio are not just about preserving a nostalgic past but about ensuring that our communities remain informed, engaged, and connected. We must seek ways to adapt traditional media’s strengths to the digital age, finding new models that blend the best of both worlds. Only then can we hope to navigate these uncharted seas without losing our way. (AI)

Published September 13, 1995

Way back in September 1995, before I became the Spec’s editorial cartoonist, I drew for the Brabant chain of newspapers serving the communities of Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Flamborough, Stoney Creek and Hamilton Mountain. I was given a nice gig at the time illustrating local personalities (John Fortino, Max Mintz, Sheila Copps, George Love and Jimmy Lomax) written up by longtime CHML radio presenter, John Hardy. He was axed from his job in local radio the same year, 1997, when I was hired at the Hamilton Spectator. In the Saturday August 17 edition in the Spec, Hardy reflects on the loss of am900 CHML, and what it means for the city of Hamilton.

Thursday July 25, 2024

July 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday July 25, 2024

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

Canada’s Soccer Scandal: A Humiliating Start to Paris 2024

December 3, 2022

In a misstep that has overshadowed their gold-medal glory, the Canadian women’s soccer team has managed to kick off the Paris 2024 Olympics with a scandal that’s less “sportsmanship” and more “spy game.” Yes, Canada’s latest Olympic entry is not a record-breaking performance but a full-blown scandal involving espionage with a drone.

Let’s put this into perspective. When we talk about state-sponsored doping, countries like Russia, China, and North Korea come to mind. Russia’s doping scandal, exposed in 2015, involved a sprawling state-supported program so elaborate it could have been scripted by a spy novelist. This wasn’t just about athletes taking banned substances; it was a coordinated effort involving falsified tests and a state-run cover-up. The fallout? Russian athletes were banned from competing under their flag, and the country faced severe sanctions from international sports organizations.

News: Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Caught Spying on Opponent With Drone Ahead of Olympics

August 1, 2012

China, too, has had its fair share of doping controversies. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Chinese government’s doping programs were so widespread that they seemed to be operating with the sole purpose of winning medals at any cost. This systematic abuse led to stripped medals and a long-term black mark on their sports programs, with many athletes suffering lasting health consequences.

North Korea, while less documented, has not escaped suspicion. Allegations of state-sponsored doping have hovered over the country, with rumours suggesting a pattern of using performance-enhancing drugs to elevate its athletes on the world stage. Despite the murkiness of the evidence, the association with such practices damages their reputation.

Fast forward to Canada’s present-day debacle: our women’s soccer team, in a bid for an edge over New Zealand, turned to spying—using a drone to capture training sessions. French authorities caught Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst, and assistant coach Jasmine Mander in the act. They were promptly sent home, and head coach Bev Priestman offered to step down from the opening match, a gesture accepted in an attempt to salvage some semblance of integrity. Yet, the damage was done.

Opinion: Canada’s soccer spying scandal is a humiliating way to kick off Paris 2024

February 27, 2018

The Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision to mandate ethics training for staff following these Games underscores a glaring issue: if we need to be reminded that cheating is wrong, we have a bigger problem. This scandal, involving the unauthorized drone and espionage, not only casts a long shadow over the team’s achievements but also puts Canada in an uncomfortable spotlight, alongside those infamous states known for their ethical breaches.

So, ask yourself, is this the legacy Canada wants to build at Paris 2024? Are we aiming to join the ranks of Russia, China, and North Korea in the annals of disgrace? This isn’t just a minor lapse; it’s a significant blemish on a nation that once prided itself on fairness and sportsmanship.

March 3, 2010

As the Olympic Games unfold, will Canada be remembered for its athletic prowess or for this sordid episode? The hope is that this scandal will be seen as an isolated incident in an otherwise illustrious sporting tradition. However, if this is the new face of Canadian sportsmanship, perhaps our Olympic motto needs a rethink—“Own the Podium by Any Means Necessary” might be closer to the truth than we’d like to admit. (AI)

Reader Comments

Meta Al – What people are saying

The comments react to a controversy involving Team Canada and spying at the Olympics, with many expressing embarrassment, shame, and disappointment. One comment notes that while the behaviour was not ethical, it is a common practice in sports. (Click on the image below to read reactions)

Saturday June 29, 2024

June 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 29, 2024

*An animated Making-of clip can be found here.

America Needs a New Challenger Against Trump

Live Drawing: the highs an Lows of Debate 2024

The United States finds itself at a critical juncture once again, grappling with a presidential election that echoes the disillusionment of past choices. As observed in Thomas L. Friedman’s poignant reflection on the recent debate, Joe Biden, a respected figure, has faltered under the weight of his age, evident in a debate performance that left many disheartened. Friedman’s words resonate deeply: “I watched the Biden-Trump debate alone in a Lisbon hotel room, and it made me weep. I cannot remember a more heartbreaking moment in American presidential campaign politics in my lifetime.”

Friedman: Joe Biden Is a Good Man and a Good President. He Must Bow Out of the Race

May 30, 2024

In 2024, Donald Trump, despite his divisive tenure and legal troubles, remains a formidable contender. The grim reality of facing a convicted felon with autocratic tendencies in another election cycle underscores the urgency for Democrats to act decisively. The sentiment expressed by critics is clear: Biden’s stumbling performance against Trump’s barrage of lies was not just a setback but a stark reminder of the need for new leadership.

The sentiment among Democrats, encapsulated in Friedman’s column, reflects a growing urgency: “The Biden family and political team must gather quickly and have the hardest of conversations with the president, a conversation of love and clarity and resolve.” This call to action is not merely about electoral strategy but about safeguarding democracy itself from the spectre of Trumpism.

August 7, 2020

The lack of robust fact-checking during the debate, as highlighted in a subsequent article, left many falsehoods unchallenged, perpetuating a narrative that could sway undecided voters. As noted, moderators took a hands-off approach, allowing Trump’s misleading claims to linger without sufficient rebuttal. This underscores the need for a candidate who can not only confront Trump’s rhetoric but also offer a compelling alternative vision for America’s future.

At this pivotal juncture, the Democratic Party must heed the lessons of history and embrace a new challenger who embodies vitality, clarity, and a bold vision for the nation. The stakes are high: a choice between “a con man who thrives on chaos and division,” as articulated in the analysis, and a candidate who can restore faith in democratic governance and lead America forward.

Analysis: ‘You’re the sucker, you’re the loser’: 90 miserable minutes of Biden v Trump

March 7, 2024

The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago presents a crucial opportunity to showcase a robust public process that engages voters and energizes the party’s base. This openness, as advocated in the articles, is essential in identifying a candidate who can unite disparate factions and appeal broadly across the political spectrum.

While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, one thing remains clear: America cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. The Democratic Party must summon the courage to pivot away from Biden’s candidacy if necessary, guided by the imperative to offer voters a compelling alternative to the tumultuous chapter of Trump’s presidency. This decision, as emphasized in the articles, must prioritize the nation’s future over political expediency and demonstrate unwavering commitment to the principles that define America’s democratic ethos.

The choice in 2024 is not just about defeating Trump; it is about reclaiming America’s moral authority and reaffirming its commitment to a future that is inclusive, just, and resilient. This moment demands bold leadership and decisive action from Democrats. The time to act is now. (AI)

Saturday December 3, 2022

December 3, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 3, 2022

How Canada can build on World Cup run ahead of 2026 cycle

June 6, 2015

There were still plenty of valuable lessons for Canada despite the losses, though, and Les Rouges can apply those “learnings” – as coach John Herdman refers to them – when the country co-hosts the 2026 World Cup.

The Canadian men’s national team made history, just not enough of it.

As breathtaking as the team’s performances were in various stages, Canada still suffered defeat in all three games. It’s difficult to draw sweeping conclusions based on small sample sizes in tournament settings, let alone in a nation’s first men’s World Cup in 36 years.