If TV and movie journalists were real...

He's a cross between Jay Mariotti and Rick Reilly.

 

Michael McDougal as played by Randy Quaid in The Paper. That would be an interesting character in real life.

 

I doubt he cares, considering he never turns in an expense report with an airline ticket.

 

There were references on the show to him going on and returning from road trips. There was an early episode where he was in a press box.

Obviously, the reference to covering games from his couch made people think the character was more than loosely based on Lupica.

 

OK, that one made me laugh.

 

Jason Sudeikis is playing Fletch in Fletch Won.

 

Same here.

 

I saw that movie in a California theater, and I was one of about six or eight people who laughed at that.

 

The great thing about Lou Grant is that the various reporter jealousies were written into show. People hated Rossi, felt Billie was Donovan's pet because he had a thing for her (I think they dated), and the sports department was mocked. The business guy hated when Lou big footed into his turf and Animal never felt that that reporters gave photogs much respect.

 

"You work for the city. It was your turn."

 

If actual sports reporters were like the jerks portrayed in TV and movies, all of us would be hated by everyone we've ever covered.

 

But everyone loved Ray.