Hornets LOSE Local Beat Writer | Are the Hornets the LEAST Covered team in the NBA?

For the first time since 1987, the Charlotte Hornets will open their season without a dedicated beat reporter after Rod Boone’s abrupt exit from the Charlotte Observer. On today’s episode, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson take stock of what this means for fans, local journalism, and the wider NBA media landscape. The ripple effects of McClatchy’s sweeping layoffs have all but cleared out traditional sports coverage in Charlotte, and the hosts unpack the harsh reality facing newspapers and digital outlets alike in an age of shrinking ad revenue and growing corporate control. The conversation zeroes in on the unique value beat reporters bring—traveling with teams, asking tough questions, and preserving the stories that shape a franchise’s history. With the economics of print media in collapse and digital ventures often stretched too thin to cover road games, Charlotte joins a growing list of NBA cities left relying on in-house voices or independent platforms. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson reflect on what fans are losing when coverage becomes less objective and more promotional while wondering aloud if the return of quality, independent journalism is even possible in today’s climate. From private equity’s role in gutting newsrooms to the future of storytelling, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at why fans should care—and what could be lost if something doesn’t change. Plus, some lighter moments as the hosts compare Hornets and Panthers box scores and share stories from the beat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.