Cheers for more good spellers.
Those are what editors like to see. But Grumpy Editor is rather unhappy to note that the quarterfinals session of the 80th Scripps National Spelling Bee from Washington, D.C., is relegated to ESPN today between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. EDT.
Apparently network brass considers a spelling bee to be a “sport” along with the channel’s usual fare of basketball, tennis, car racing, soccer, golf, baseball, football and such (with many “jocks” not exactly noted as ace spellers or even for proper use of the English language).
Today’s 107 spelling wizards advanced from yesterday’s quiz that started with 286 kids in the spotlight.
So, unfortunately, the youngsters’ spelling efforts today on ESPN will not receive fuller attention that comes with a wider TV audience.
However, finalists will get more exposure on the ABC network between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT today. The winner will receive $35,000 in cash, a $5,000 scholarship, a $2,500 savings bond, a set of reference works --- and will add ESPN to his/her vocabulary.