Drew Barrymore faces backlash for announcing her talk show's return during the writers' strike. The speakers discuss the lack of solidarity, other hosts taping without writers, and celebrities' attention-seeking behavior. They reflect on the VMAs, question its relevance in the social media era, and mention funny moments from past shows. They also talk about controversial job postings for Beyonce and Taylor Swift beat reporters and discuss online scam protection.
Drew Barrymore faced backlash for continuing her talk show without writers during a writer's strike, leading to her being uninvited from hosting the National Book Awards.
The decline in traditional TV viewership affects the profitability of award shows, as online platforms generate less ad revenue, highlighting the need for alternative ways to reach audiences.
Deep dives
Drew Barrymore's Talk Show Controversy
Drew Barrymore faced backlash for bringing back her talk show without writers during a writer's strike. Her uninviting from hosting the National Book Awards was seen as understandable since the event honors writers.
Taylor Swift's Drunken VMAs Appearance
Taylor Swift's slightly drunk appearance at the VMAs garnered attention. Her behavior, such as raising both arms above her head, was seen as a sign of being intoxicated. Her antics were described as both amusing and relatable.
Low Ratings and Changing Landscape of Award Shows
The VMAs experienced low viewership, with less than a million people tuning in. While highlights of the show were shared widely on social media, the decline in traditional TV viewership affects the profitability of award shows, as online platforms generate less ad revenue.
USA Today's Controversial Job Listings
USA Today attracted attention with two new job listings for reporters dedicated to covering Taylor Swift and Beyonce. The topic sparked discussions about the state of journalism and the allocation of resources, considering the recent layoffs in the industry.
This week, Drew Barrymore announced her daytime TV talk show would return despite the ongoing Hollywood strikes. That prompted a public outcry and a rescinded invitation to host the National Book Awards. Drew seems to be getting the most flack, but she isn't the only TV host coming back this fall. Sam checks in with Vox's Alex Abad-Santos and Rebecca Jennings about the latest on the writers' and actors' strikes and where the celebrities are turning now that the red carpets are off-limits. We also discuss the highs and lows of the VMAs, how to spot a drunk white woman dancing, and if we really need Beyoncé and Taylor Swift beat reporters.