Sports Media Deterioration: Short-Form Content Over Substance - Episode Hero Image

Sports Media Deterioration: Short-Form Content Over Substance

Sports Media with Richard Deitsch · · Listen to Original Episode →
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TL;DR

  • The shift of major sporting events to streaming platforms, exemplified by the Oscars moving to YouTube, signals a broader trend toward digital distribution that will likely encompass the Super Bowl soon.
  • The sports media industry faces a crisis of creativity and originality, with a focus on generating short, sensational video clips for social media rather than substantive content.
  • The increasing reliance on social media for promotion and conflict has diminished genuine interaction, reducing the space for authentic engagement and fostering a "total dick" culture.
  • The dominance of short-form video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels is alienating younger audiences from traditional long-form written media, impacting readership and engagement.
  • The sports media landscape is increasingly driven by the pursuit of viral moments and quick engagement, prioritizing immediate reactions over thoughtful analysis or long-term storytelling.
  • The industry's focus on short, promotional content for social media has devalued in-depth reporting and analysis, leading to a perceived decline in creativity and originality.
  • The shift in media consumption towards audio and short video content means that publicists now prioritize podcast appearances over traditional written articles for broader reach.

Deep Dive

Jimmy Traina, host of the SI Media Podcast, argues that the sports media landscape is significantly deteriorating, driven by an overemphasis on short-form social media content and a decline in substantive journalism. This shift, he contends, prioritizes sensationalism and conflict over insightful reporting, leading to a less creative and engaging industry.

Traina's critique centers on the industry's increasing reliance on social media metrics, particularly short videos, as the primary measure of success. This incentivizes content creators to produce provocative or contentious material to gain attention, rather than focusing on in-depth analysis or original reporting. He observes a lack of creativity and originality, with many outlets engaging in a cycle of self-promotion or online antagonism. This phenomenon extends to podcasts, which he feels have become insular, prioritizing big-name guests over unique storytelling. The rise of influencers being hired by major sports media companies, like ESPN's hiring of Katie Feeney, exemplifies this trend, signaling a shift in what constitutes valuable talent.

The implications of this shift are systemic. For journalists, it means a pressure to conform to the demands of short-form content, potentially sacrificing depth and nuance. For audiences, particularly younger demographics, it means consuming a more superficial and reactive form of sports media. Traina highlights the decline in readership and engagement with long-form content, suggesting that younger audiences are more drawn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. This creates a feedback loop where the industry caters to these platforms, further diminishing the space for traditional, in-depth media. Consequently, Traina expresses a general disillusionment with the current state of sports media, finding it less enjoyable and lacking in genuine substance.

Action Items

  • Audit media consumption habits: Track personal engagement with short-form video (TikTok, Reels, Shorts) versus long-form articles or podcasts for 2 weeks.
  • Evaluate content creation strategy: Assess current output for originality and creativity, identifying 3-5 areas for increased innovation.
  • Measure audience engagement metrics: Analyze time-in-article and click-through rates for 5 recent long-form pieces to understand reader drop-off points.
  • Identify key industry trends: Research the impact of influencer hires and short-form video on audience reach for 2 major sports media companies.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"I think both of us are in agreement on this buck and aikman to me are the are the best current working nfl broadcast team and i think they're kind of like there's a separation between them and whoever else you want to think of second."

Traina agrees with Deitsch that Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are the premier NFL broadcast team, suggesting a significant gap exists between them and other pairings. This highlights their perceived excellence and consistent performance in the booth.

"I agree 100 and take it from someone who obviously wrote many many volumes of praise for romo and nance who i still like but i got to be honest aikman and buck have been the best team now in my opinion for a couple of years."

Traina reinforces his agreement with Deitsch's assessment of Buck and Aikman, stating they have been the top NFL broadcast team for several years. He acknowledges his past praise for Romo and Nance but firmly places Buck and Aikman above them.

"I think the larger broader sports media has become social media."

Traina expresses a critical view of the current sports media landscape, arguing that it has largely devolved into a social media-driven environment. This suggests a shift in focus from traditional journalism to content optimized for social platforms.

"I hate what it is today I hate that it's well the only thing that matters is if you have a one minute video and for youtube or social media and nothing else matters according to you know for these companies and the way you get make a one minute video to be successful is either you say something completely ridiculous and then people start fighting or you start a fight with someone in media that's the way you get recognized today."

Traina elaborates on his dissatisfaction with modern sports media, lamenting the emphasis on short-form video content for platforms like YouTube and social media. He believes success is often achieved through sensationalism or conflict rather than substantive content.

"I think the larger broader sports media has become social media."

Traina expresses a critical view of the current sports media landscape, arguing that it has largely devolved into a social media-driven environment. This suggests a shift in focus from traditional journalism to content optimized for social platforms.

"I think the only thing that matters is if you have a one minute video and for youtube or social media and nothing else matters according to you know for these companies and the way you get make a one minute video to be successful is either you say something completely ridiculous and then people start fighting or you start a fight with someone in media that's the way you get recognized today."

Traina further explains his frustration with the current state of sports media, highlighting the disproportionate importance placed on short, attention-grabbing video clips for platforms like YouTube and social media. He contends that generating controversy or engaging in public disputes has become a primary method for gaining recognition within the industry.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Athletic's end of the year media awards" - Mentioned in relation to a discussion about media awards.

Articles & Papers

  • "Paul Finebaum not taken" (alabama.com) - Mentioned as an article that provides further details on Paul Finebaum's decision regarding politics.

People

  • Joe Buck - Discussed as part of the best current working NFL broadcast team.
  • Troy Aikman - Discussed as part of the best current working NFL broadcast team.
  • Tony Romo - Discussed in relation to his broadcasting quality and X's and O's analysis.
  • JJ Watt - Mentioned as a great listen and having personality in broadcasting.
  • Ian Eagle - Mentioned as a helpful partner for analysts in broadcasting.
  • Ernie Johnson - Mentioned as a great guy and a potential pick for sports media person of the year.
  • Tom Brady - Discussed as a potential candidate for sports media person of the year and in relation to his broadcasting career.
  • McAfee - Mentioned as a powerful figure at ESPN with significant influence and a show that guests want to be on.
  • Stephen A. Smith - Mentioned as a powerful figure at ESPN.
  • Elle Duncan - Mentioned as a mover and shaker of the year for her role at Netflix.
  • Taylor Rooks - Mentioned as a potential mover and shaker due to her work on Prime Video.
  • Peter Schrager - Mentioned as a free agent signing of the year for ESPN.
  • Lee Corso - Mentioned as a recipient of a lifetime achievement award.
  • Hubie Brown - Mentioned as a potential recipient for a lifetime achievement award.
  • Paul Finebaum - Discussed in relation to his decision about running for office and his comments on Disney.
  • John Cena - Discussed in relation to his final wrestling match and the outcome.
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Mentioned in relation to his "final boss" character in wrestling.
  • Gunther - Mentioned as a wrestler who beat John Cena.
  • Triple H - Mentioned in relation to the outcome of John Cena's final match.
  • Bob Costas - Mentioned in relation to coining the phrase "twinkie munch."
  • Russo - Mentioned in relation to a nickname potentially coined by Bob Costas.
  • Harvey Araton - Mentioned as a previous guest discussing how to write a sports book for children.
  • Rick Cordella - Mentioned as a previous guest discussing NBC's sports coverage.
  • Austin Karp - Mentioned as a previous guest discussing influential people in sports business.

Organizations & Institutions

  • SI.com - Mentioned as where Jimmy Traina writes.
  • Sports Illustrated - Mentioned as where Jimmy Traina writes.
  • The Athletic - Mentioned in relation to media awards and quality work.
  • ESPN - Mentioned in various contexts including hiring decisions, influence, and broadcasting.
  • Netflix - Mentioned as a potential major player in sports and in relation to Elle Duncan's role.
  • Fox - Mentioned in relation to its sports coverage and rivalry with ESPN.
  • YouTube - Mentioned as a platform for the Oscars and for short-form video content.
  • Prime Video - Mentioned in relation to Taylor Rooks and sports content.
  • Disney - Mentioned in relation to Paul Finebaum's political considerations.
  • Nielsen - Mentioned in relation to sports viewership measurement.
  • CBS - Mentioned in relation to Tom Brady's broadcasting.
  • NBC - Mentioned in relation to its Olympics coverage and conservative company culture.
  • Barstool - Mentioned in relation to its connection with Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff."
  • Apple Podcasts - Mentioned as a platform to subscribe to podcasts.
  • Spotify - Mentioned as a platform to subscribe to podcasts.
  • Audacy Inc. - Mentioned in relation to listener data and privacy practices.
  • New York Times - Mentioned as Harvey Araton's former employer.
  • SBJ (Sports Business Journal) - Mentioned in relation to Austin Karp.
  • TNT Sports - Mentioned in relation to Ernie Johnson.
  • Fox Sports - Mentioned in relation to its executives and Tom Brady's coverage.
  • Odyssey - Mentioned as a supporter of the podcast.

Websites & Online Resources

  • californiapsychics.com - Mentioned as a website for psychic readings.
  • collarsandco.com - Mentioned as a website for apparel.
  • indeed.com - Mentioned as a platform for job postings.
  • blueapron.com - Mentioned as a meal delivery service.
  • al.com - Mentioned as a website that published an article about Paul Finebaum.

Podcasts & Audio

  • Sports Media with Richard Deitsch - The podcast being discussed.
  • SI Media with Jimmy Traina - Jimmy Traina's podcast.
  • Part of My Take - Mentioned as a podcast.
  • New Heights - Mentioned as a podcast, with discussion about its popularity and criteria for awards.
  • The Ringer - Mentioned in relation to Oscar talk.

Other Resources

  • Maverick Performance Blazer - A product from Collars & Co.
  • Dress Collar Polo - A product from Collars & Co.
  • NFL (National Football League) - Discussed as a broadcast subject and in relation to viewership.
  • Oscars - Discussed in relation to its move to YouTube.
  • College Football - Mentioned as a sport that became popular on ESPN.
  • Monday Night Raw - Mentioned as a wrestling program.
  • Twinkie Munch - A phrase coined by Bob Costas for fluff interviews.
  • Mad Dog - A nickname potentially given by Bob Costas.
  • YouTube TV - Mentioned in relation to a battle with Disney.
  • Wrestling - Discussed in relation to John Cena's final match and the business.
  • Sports Streaming Wars - Identified as the sports media story of the year.
  • Thanksgiving Game (Chiefs vs. Cowboys) - Mentioned for its high viewership.
  • Big Noon Kickoff - A show on Fox discussed in relation to viewership and rivalry.
  • GameDay - Mentioned in relation to its viewership and rivalry with Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff."
  • The Final Boss - A wrestling character associated with Dwayne Johnson.
  • Hot Clicks - A former name for media awards.
  • Train of Thought - A current name for media awards.
  • Golden Clickers - A potential branding for media awards.
  • TikTok - Mentioned as a platform for short-form video content.
  • Instagram Reels - Mentioned as a platform for short-form video content.
  • YouTube Shorts - Mentioned as a platform for short-form video content.
  • The Mentalist - Mentioned in relation to skits.
  • Piers Morgan - Mentioned in relation to a past feud.
  • Billy Jean King - Mentioned as an example of an interaction on early Twitter.
  • Doug Jones - Mentioned as a potential candidate in Alabama politics.
  • Biden - Mentioned in relation to political discourse.
  • Disney - Mentioned in relation to political discourse and its perceived "woke" nature.
  • Super Bowl - Mentioned as a future event likely to be on streaming.
  • Academy Awards - Discussed in relation to its move to YouTube and audience demographics.
  • NBA - Mentioned in relation to its studio show on ESPN.
  • The Ringer - Mentioned in relation to Oscar talk.
  • The Athletic's 2025 Sports Media Awards - A list of awards discussed.
  • Sports Media Person of the Year - An award category.
  • Mover and Shaker of the Year - An award category.
  • On the Way Up - An award category.
  • On the Way Down - An award category.
  • Sports Story of the Year - An award category.
  • Rivalry of the Year - An award category.
  • Fighter of the Year - An award category.
  • Free Agent Signing of the Year - An award category.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award - An award category.
  • Podcast of the Year - An award category that was not given.
  • Best New Podcast - An award category that was given to New Heights.
  • The Game - Mentioned in relation to Paul Finebaum's political considerations.
  • The Business - Mentioned in relation to Paul Finebaum's political considerations.
  • Policy - Mentioned in relation to Paul Finebaum's political considerations.
  • GOP Primary - Mentioned in relation to Alabama politics.
  • Senatorial Seat - Mentioned in relation to Alabama politics.
  • Democratic Side - Mentioned in relation to Alabama politics.
  • Wrestling Business - Discussed in relation to outcomes and fan perception.
  • Heel Turn - A wrestling term discussed in relation to John Cena.
  • Tap Out - A wrestling term discussed in relation to John Cena's final match.
  • Pinned - A wrestling term discussed in relation to John Cena's final match.
  • Year-End Extravaganza Podcast - A type of podcast Peter Schrager and Andrew Perloff do.
  • Mailbag Podcast - A type of podcast Richard Deitsch will do.
  • Communications/Publicist World - Mentioned in relation to how guests are booked.
  • Audio Engagement - Discussed as a preference over reading.
  • Short Video - Discussed as a preference for younger audiences.
  • Documentaries - Mentioned in relation to their frequency and quality.
  • Kids Book - Mentioned in relation to Harvey Araton's debut.

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