You’ve been “Kizzed”. Now prepare to be “Hoched”.
“Hochman understands the transformation that the print media is in the midst of. He is part of the next generation of scribes, many of whom have left broadsheets to help expand the role of alternative mediums via the internet. That’s why the paper is so very wise to embrace him.”
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Sometime the role of a real, honest-to-goodness big time newspaper sports columnists is that of antagonist. It’s impossible to be thought-provoking and not render people exasperated from time to time. Mark Kiszla, the long time columnist for the Denver Post can confirm this. His tendency is to anger people more than most. But it’s Kiszla’s job to express his opinion without regard for his popularity. Today we learned that it’s Benjamin Hochman’s job now, too. He has, as he announced on his Twitter feed, been promoted from beat writer to columnist.
When Mark Kizsla writes something that gets our dander up we call it getting “Kizzed”. Now we’re bracing ourselves to be “Hoched” because, as well loved as Benjamin Hochman is, he has joined the ranks of the opinion givers – the muckrakers. No longer will Benjamin simply report the sports news of the day. Now he’s responsible for commenting and cracking wise. It means folks are not always going to agree with him. He must now take sides. For every stance there is an equal and opposite counter-stance and a blowhard who can‘t wait to argue it vociferously.
Hochman is more likeable than Mark Kiszla. Kiszla has never relied on being genial. If anything he seems to enjoy clashing with the masses. The more controversial Kiszla is being the happier he seems to be. Benjamin Hochman is likely to be more agreeable to folks whether or not they actually agree with him. It will be very interesting to see how Hochman approaches the business of opining. He is likely to delve into the human side of sports much in the way Rick Reilly does. His compassion is his real strength. Hochman is also an ardent follower of all things popular culture – another trait that will likely weave its self into his writing.
His promotion is well deserved. Hochman has been a soldier for the Post. He is so dedicated to writing that he continued to submit articles even during the NBA lockout, albeit about cheeseburgers. He has earned legions of fans with his welcoming style and his wit. He is young, beardy and progressive – as likely to Tweet a photo from Don’s Club Tavern as he is from shoot around. He is somebody that younger readers are drawn toward which makes him a highly prized asset to a traditional daily.
Hochman understands the transformation that the print media is in the midst of. He is part of the next generation of scribes, many of whom have left broadsheets to help expand the role of alternative mediums via the internet. That’s why the paper is so very wise to embrace him. The Denver Post has made a few moves of late to inspire confidence in the paper’s efficacy moving forward. Integrating the Press Box radio and television shows into their web site is certainly one. Advancing Hochman’s position is another.
Ingenuity is the order of the day when it comes to newspapers maintaining relevancy. In Benjamin Hochman the Denver Post has a brilliant luminary to help keep its sports page singing. He will attract mouse clicks and subscriptions and, who knows, maybe even inspire some young people to pick up a newspaper.
Our heartfelt congratulations to both Benjamin Hochman and to the Denver Post.
