The Athletic and the Decline of Traditional Outlets

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck dives into the chaotic new reality of Trump’s second term — one defined by self-interest, spectacle, and staggering corruption. As the president literally tears down the East Wing of the White House to build a grander event space, Chuck explores how the optics reflect a leader consumed by vanity rather than governance. From meme coin millions and Gulf state real estate deals to the blatant abuse of the pardon power, the episode unpacks how Trump has turned the presidency into a personal profit machine. With billions made, laws bent, and supporters still loyal, the question looms: is there any line Trump can cross that will finally cost him his base?

Then, sports journalist and professor J.A. Adande joins Chuck Todd for a wide-ranging conversation on how money, media, and power are reshaping the world of sports. From the Big Ten’s potential $2 billion private equity deal to the rise of The Athletic and the collapse of local sports coverage, Adande explains how financial literacy has become essential for sports reporters — and why sports journalism remains one of the few thriving corners of the media industry.

They dig into how gambling, influencer culture, and social media are transforming how fans consume sports — and how shows like Around the Horn and PTI paved the way for today’s single-voice, personality-driven debate model. Adande also reflects on the increased diversity in sports media, the tension between advocacy and escapism, and why issues like Latino discrimination and trans inclusion in sports are becoming defining cultural flashpoints. He also explains why the sports world has gotten out of the social justice advocacy business… and likely won’t be coming back. It’s a candid look at how sports coverage mirrors — and sometimes predicts — the shifts happening across American journalism.

Finally, he answers listener’s questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment, and gives his weekend college football preview.

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Timeline:

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)

00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction

03:30 Trump is tearing down the entire east wing of the White House

04:15 Optics of the White House demolition are extremely jarring

05:30 Trump more consumed with himself and his image than voters

07:15 Over time, Trump always manages to wear out his welcome

08:30 Trump is not putting America first

09:45 Trump shaking down his own DOJ for over $200 million

11:30 WH needed a bigger event space, but not without permission

12:30 Trump has entered “Let them eat cake” territory

14:00 Trump family has made billions on meme coin

15:30 Meme coin purchases could be straight up bribery

17:00 Trump has made millions from settlements 

18:15 Trump family has made multiple real estate deals with gulf states

19:30 Trump’s personal fortune is now between 5-6 billion dollars

20:00 Trump’s abuse of the pardon power has undone the rule of law

21:00 Pardoned J6’ers have gone on to commit crimes

22:30 Trump has pardoned scores of Republican politicians  

24:15 Claiming “political persecution” earns you a pardon from Trump

25:45 Trump has traded America foreign policy for personal gain

27:45 Trump is testing the premise he can do anything and not lose support

31:30 J.A. Adande joins the Chuck ToddCast 

32:30 Big Ten seeking $2 billion dollar private equity infusion 

33:45 Money would keep current Big Ten setup for 2 decades 

35:00 Knowledge of finance & business is a must for sports reporters 

37:30 Sports journalism is one of the only growth areas in journalism 

40:00 Why ESPN was a better option for J.A. than Sports Illustrated 

40:45 The Athletic is the final destination for sportswriting 

42:00 The role of sports journalism in rebuilding local news/media 

43:30 The Athletic is evolving into a national sports outlet 

45:00 Local sports reporting doesn't scale 

46:00 Where do sports fans go to now for localized coverage? 

47:00 It's more efficient for teams to leak stories to one national reporter 

48:00 There is plenty of localized sports discussion, but not breaking news 

50:00 There's no FOIA in sports coverage, reporters aren't entitled to access 

51:30 Teams can shut out journalists and still get word out to the public 

53:30 The impact of the pandemic on journalism and in-person access 

54:30 Sports is one of the last places where people are debating the facts 

55:30 Sports talk has become formulaic and like pro wrestling 

56:45 The template for PTI was Siskel & Ebert 

58:30 Around the Horn premised on winning a subjective argument 

1:00:30 There's a huge audience for fake, manufactured competition 

1:01:30 Sports talk moving to the singular influencer model 

1:02:15 Cutting production costs is reason for centering shows on one talent 

1:03:30 News will likely move to the sports talk, licensing model 

1:05:15 Streamers haven't moved to pick up sports debate shows 

1:06:00 Podcasts are a more intimate experience for the audience 

1:07:45 The impact of the infusion of sports gambling into sports journalism 

1:08:45 Journalists have to be more precise with gambling coverage 

1:10:30 Newspapers would discourage gambling & still publish lines 

1:12:30 Sports gambling journalism is a form of service journalism 

1:13:45 Far more gender diversity now in sports journalism schools 

1:15:45 There's never been a better time to be a woman in sports media 

1:18:15 There's been a retreat from social commentary in sports media 

1:19:45 Trans women in sports debate is dividing women 

1:21:00 Baseball should be leading the fight against latino discrimination 

1:23:00 Latino integration or expulsion will be a defining fight of our time 

1:26:30 Sports will not be at the forefront of fighting for social justice 

1:28:45 Sports as a source for escape vs a source of advocacy

1:30:30 Chuck's thoughts on interview with J.A. Adande 

1:31:15 Ask Chuck 

1:32:15 Why aren't we mandating watermarks on every piece of AI content? 

1:36:15 Where was the No Kings energy on election day? 

1:41:00 How can you have meaningful debate when you can't agree on facts? 

1:47:45 Why have Hegseth, Bondi and RFK Jr. been able to cement their roles? 

1:51:30 Why not do a "Where Chuck was right/wrong" segment similar to Cowherd? 

1:55:45 How can Democrats uphold core values without sounding preachy? 

2:00:15 College football preview

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