Jim White’s remarks on fan media coverage of Celtic and Rangers sparked plenty of reaction. Last week, he questioned whether such outlets should be treated the same as “real journalists” following a tense exchange between Russell Martin and a participant after Rangers’ 2-0 loss to Hearts.
Celtic, in particular, have long welcomed fan podcasts and independent outlets into Brendan Rodgers’ press conferences – a practice not commonly seen in British football. But White, the former Sky Sports News presenter now working alongside Simon Jordan on Talksport, expressed his concerns over their involvement.
After facing backlash, however, White has now softened his stance. On Tuesday, he hosted a member of a Rangers fan podcast on his show, and his comments afterwards suggested he may be rethinking his position.
Reflecting on the debate, White explained:
“We were discussing the fact that fan media has access to Russell Martin’s pressers at Rangers and Brendan Rodgers’ at Celtic. Should they be allowed? I don’t deny they have a right to be there. Times change and I accept that.
“But in this particular case, Martin was under pressure, and the question sounded like it came from a fan. The phrasing felt like a supporter’s frustration rather than a journalist’s.”
While White highlighted problems with that exchange, similar moments have happened in press conferences before. The wider question remains whether fan media belongs in these spaces.
Supporters argue that they bring a fresh perspective and variety to pressers, something Rodgers himself benefits from. Critics say they lack the professionalism of traditional journalists – but Celtic’s long-standing relationship with these outlets shows otherwise.
White’s initial reference to “real journalists” came across as dismissive to fans, yet his recent comments hint at a change of heart after hearing directly from those involved in fan media.
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