Angels Ban Reporter Banned From Team-Owned Radio Network

The Los Angeles Angels have banned reporter Sam Blum of The Athletic from coming on the "Beat Reporter Roundtable" on the team-owned AM-830. Blum says he was told the decision was made by team president John Carpino.

The Los Angeles Angels have banned reporter Sam Blum of The Athletic from appearing on the "Beat Reporter Roundtable" on AM830. Blum says he was told the decision was made by Angels team president John Carpino.

For what it's worth:

I was informed by AM830 (Angels team-owned radio network) that I'm no longer welcomed back on the their "Beat Reporter Roundtable" program because I bring "negativity" to an "up-beat show."

I was told the decision was made by team president John Carpino.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 3, 2023

Blum put out a post on Twitter on Monday saying "For what it's worth: I was informed by AM830 (Angels team-owned radio network) that I'm no longer welcomed back on the "Beat Reporter Roundtable" program because I bring 'negativity' to an 'up-beat' show. I was told the decision was made by team president John Carpino."

One can only assume the "negativity" refers to a story that Blum wrote last week which centered around the Angels being one of only two major league teams to not send its English speaking radio broadcasters on the road.

It's relatively common for team-owned and flagship radio broadcasts to take a "homer-ish" approach to broadcasting, but the decision by management to ban a reporter from a guest-led segment seems low and unnecessary.

After all, the Angels haven't made the playoffs since 2014, haven't won a playoff game since 2009 and have helped waste two of the best careers in baseball history in Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.

What exactly is their positive to say from Blum or any other guest on the "Beat Reporter Roundtable?"

Blum's Twitter statement continued to say "I strive to be fair in my coverage. Sometimes that means being critical. Sometimes that means highlighting good things/people in the org. I have countless examples of both over two years on the beat. It's worth noting how the Angels can attempt to filter their team-owned media."

I strive to be fair in my coverage. Sometimes that means being critical. Sometimes that means highlighting good things/people in the org. I have countless examples of both over 2 years on the beat.

It's worth noting how the Angels can attempt to filter their team-owned media.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 3, 2023

The Angels are 2-1 to start the season after winning a series from the A's. They'll open up a three-game series with the division rival Mariners tonight in Seattle.

First pitch is slated for 9:40 p.m. ET.