There is a bit of an unspoken issue here that is bigger than the one that we are discussing on the surface.

Most teams now recognize that "content" has value. And in establishing their own TV Stations (GolTV, LeafsTV, RaptorsTV as an example), if they control the content they control the message AND the revenue.

Breaking stories on team owned networks, exclusive "access" to players before anyone else, expanded pre and post game coverage, etc. If you aren't working for the team, you may be on the outside of the big scoop and in this era of "speed to press" this is a big deal.

It's not unusual in sports. Yankees have YES network, even the Rogers' owned Blue Jays probably favour Rogers' Sportsnet in some way, shape, or form.

In some ways it is expected. In others it is a little dangerous as you could end up with FOXNews when it comes to spin.

I have no issue with Winter's stance, in fact, I encourage it. Provided of course that the mainstream media is given the same access (in a gym or whatever) to the same sources that team-owned outlets enjoy.